In Search of Optimism
written by Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. ”
When I hear the word “optimism,” I cringe. I’ve read too many trite self-help books. It makes me appreciate Voltaire’s quote, “Optimism is the madness of insisting that all is well when we are miserable.” It is so easy to see the misery all around us. From the short time between writing this devotion to your reading, hundreds of new disasters, acts of violence, and cruelty will occur. How can anyone remain optimistic? Isn’t optimism a shallow emotion for people blessed enough to remain fortunate to live in a place and time with economic resources, political freedoms, and a short memory?
Yet, pessimism is an unhelpful response. Pessimism keeps us from embracing hope and making a meaningful difference in our broken world. At this point in our reflection, I must bring God into the discussion. Apart from God, I cannot find a reason for optimism. Human beings are imperfect and often destructive. Even when we seek to do good, circumstances and complexity require time and energy, we are usually not equipped or patient enough to achieve.
I remain optimistic by trusting something greater than a nation’s ethical leadership or my strength. I try to rely on God at every level of life to bring healing and reconciliation. I do not trust God to respond to my every whim or create perfect harmony in our present existence. Instead, I must trust God to “work together…his purpose.” Trusting doesn’t mean I find optimism easy to embrace. Trust is painful because, by its very definition, we are not in control. Faith is handing over our perceived control to God and trusting God to work out his purpose in our lives and the world.
Optimism through divine trust is your call as well. Take time today to prayerfully consider areas where optimism is hard. Where is your trust put to the test? When we can name our concerns and fears, we can seek God’s comforting hand and build trust with God. We seek God in weekly worship, daily prayer, reading scripture, and talking to others who seek God. Optimism is possible when we embrace the power above all others. Then, we need to feel our Triune God's loving care and intimate connection for us and the whole world.
