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The essence of optimism is that it takes no account of the present, but it is a source of inspiration, of vitality and hope where others have resigned.

~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

~ Romans 12:21

There are optimists, there are pessimists, and some try to occupy the middle and call themselves realists. Do you resonate with any of those? A bigger question than which one you are… is why are you that one?

If you’re an Enneaphile, there are three ways (I love threes!) of responding to stressful situations: 4s, 6s, and 8s default to Expression—they want to feel it and talk about it. 1s, 3s, and 5s default to Competency—they want to solve it. 7s, 9s, and 2s default to Optimism—they want to find the silver lining. Each of these response patterns, predictably, reflects both a vital strength and a potential weakness. And while we all definitely have an intrinsic go-to coping strategy for stress, the totally awesome thing is that we’re not limited to that one single strategy! We can grow our capacity to access all three… and we all need that kind of dexterity and resiliency in the challenges we face these days.

Today I want to explore the holy potential of Optimism. In my own life (and maybe it’s because this is my weakest suit) I want to live larger by cultivating optimism as a spiritual practice. The biblical word is hope, and Paul assures that “hope does not put us to shame.” The crucial distinction, however, is what exactly we are hoping in or hoping for. Is our hope directed toward our preferred circumstances? Nothing wrong with hoping for good things to come our way, but the spiritual potential of Optimism is not that I necessarily get my way but that good will prevail. That no darkness, however deep, will endure… but that some form of good, great good even, will rise out of every tragedy or setback. I believe that’s a God-honoring and emotionally honest posture for our lives.

There is a potential downside to Optimism though: When used irresponsibly, Optimism can simply be a cover for denial and avoidance. “Oh, everything is fine. Don’t worry, be happy.” In its less mature applications, Optimism causes us to ignore conditions that very much need our diligent attention. True Optimism doesn’t flinch in the face of reality; it’s willing to name just how bad or difficult a situation is, but it doesn’t stop there. It then moves forward with a deep conviction that there is a good ending to the Story, and it’s going to look for that good, believe in that good, and find firm footing on the persuasion that nothing will triumph over the good. That is the essence of Optimism, and it is ultimately anchored in the person of God.

Optimism can feel risky. And in some ways it is risky. We might be disappointed in the short run… before we get to the end of the Story and see the redemptive twist. Optimism doesn’t mean that grief and loss aren’t part of the Story; it just means that they are not the final word. Want some of that?

growing the soul

Where does Optimism fall on your list of resources under stress? What do you want to do about that?

serving the world

Who needs your gift of Optimism right now, and how can you offer that in a way that feels genuine, not contrived?

takeaway

Every little thing’s gonna be alright.