I now often say that I do not believe in bad news—bad news is just good news before its conversion experience. This is because I share Paul’s conviction expressed in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 that we should “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” A realistic optimist understands that in every circumstance there is reason to be grateful, even if you are not able to see it at the time. Realistically, it is what it is. You just must believe that “what it is” may be different, and better, than what it is at that moment in time. We do not know the end from the beginning, but God does, and He holds us in the palm of His hand. As the song says:
Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come, why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear, and resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears; Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
My optimism is not a hope that a cure will be found for my sarcoma during my lifetime, or that, despite the odds, I will live out my natural life. If that were to happen it would provide one more reason for me to be grateful and rejoice, but my hope does not depend on that happening. Rather, it is that God will “fulfill his purpose for me,” (Psalm 57:2 NLT), and that “our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all,” (2 Corinthians 4:17).
Knowing that God will fulfill his purpose for my life provides the calm assurance and sense of peace that can come only from a divine source, and that assurance and peace does not depend on always getting good news. With God in control, we have every reason to remain optimistic about our future. God can and will make all things new. We have the assurance that “Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy” (Psalm 126:5). Cynicism says, “what should be, will never be,” while optimism says, “what should be, will forever be.” I choose optimism.
