distance between.

I'm a recovering pessimist.

As with most people in recovery, there is always the threat of a relapse. The thing about pessimism is that it sucks. Really, it does. It sucks the life right out of you. It's more than the glass is half-empty. It's the fact that the glass probably won't ever be filled again. Finding hope, having faith and trusting in things greater than you do not just happen for a pessimist, nor do they come easy. It's the reason why I sometimes have great difficulty with people that are prone to always having a bubbly personality. I am baffled by their ability to smile...always. I gotta admit, it really used to get at me from time-to-time. Not so much now. Although, I still have my moments.

I love optimists. I am intrigued at their seemingly natural ability to see the upside in every situation. If the glass is not full (yet), then great. There's room to put more. I have to be honest here. I still struggle in this area. I consider myself to be a 'practicing optimist'. Although it doesn't come as natural or instinctual, I am learning that the distance between pessimism and optimism is more than frame of mind and the power of positive thought. It is in large, the difference between faith and unbelief.

'Unbelief is a sin by which men greatly dishonor and displease God, and deprive themselves of the favors he designed for them.' (Matthew Henry)

In 2 Kings 7, we find an unbelievable message delivered by the prophet, Elisha. He boldly stated that the famine was over; that suddenly people would have an abundance of food after a time of severe famine. One of the king's advisors ridiculed the words spoken by the prophet. I would say that this would be a common response from many. I would also say that many, just as the advisor, would be dead wrong. Elisha, the prophet, then told the advisor that he would see the miracle, but never personally experience it.

All too often, we deprive ourselves of what God has designed for us due to our lack of belief. God is the god of the impossible and miraculous. When we choose unbelief over faith, we severely limit ourselves and allow ourselves to be robbed of God's provision.

Choose to trust and put your hope in Jesus, who is the author and perfecter of your faith. Don't give up on believing God for something just because you can't see it. Ask Him to give you eyes to see and ears to hear.

one love...one life...

Guy