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Looking on The Bright Side
Acts 16:19-26
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Circumstances
Not good!•Beaten and imprisoned•Bad conditions
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What to Do?
Become pessimistic? Wallow in self-pity?
Become optimistic, pray,and sing?
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Turned to Optimism
Easy to be pessimistic•Little girl looked at a mule ….said he must be a Christian
•When asked why, she replied, “He has such a long and sad face.”
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Optimism of Paul and Silas
Notice •Dreadful circumstances•God’s protection (Deuteronomy 33:29)
•Should be cheerful and optimistic (Psalm 146:1-10)
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Optimism Through Faith
God will provide•Abraham (Genesis 22:8)•Us (Matthew 6:25-33)•Should be happiest people
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Counted Their Blessings
No room for pessimism•God’s care (Psalm 8:3-5)•Generous (Psalm 68:19)
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Counted Their Blessings
Optimists count; pessimists discount•“Name them one by one”•Jacob knew (Psalm 33:5)•Urged Esau to take the gift (Genesis 33:11)
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Counted Their Blessings
Blessed materially and spiritually•Forgiveness of sins (Romans 4:7)•Blessed by hearing (Luke 11:28)
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Cast Their Care on The Lord
Optimistic in the midst of trials?•Troubled, distressed, down, etc.•Swallowed up in pity, or choose another course (1 Peter 5:7)
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Cast Their Care on The Lord
Exchange our cares for “songs in the night”•Most would rather complain (Job 35:10)
•Repent and be filled with laughter (Job 8:21)
•The Lord takes pleasure in His people (Psalm 149:4, 5)
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Cast Their Care on The Lord
Negativity is self-defeating•Often fulfill our fears•Evil spies (Numbers 13:27-33)•Be optimistic (Philippians 4:6-8)
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Be of Good Cheer
Jesus’ words to sick and fearful•Woman (John 9:2)•Woman ill for 9 years (Matthew 9:22)
•Disciples (Matthew 14:27)
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Be of Good Cheer
Message to us•Apostles (John 16:33)•In good times and bad times
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Be of Good Cheer
Physical benefits•Medical studies•Bible (Proverbs 17:22)
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Allowed Hope to Sustain Them
Should look on the bright side•Abraham (Genesis 22)•He had hope (Romans 4:17-22)•Three Hebrews (Daniel 3:16-18)
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Allowed Hope to Sustain Them
Examples are numerous•Gladness (Proverbs 10:28)•Joy (Romans 15:13)
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Allowed Hope to Sustain Them
How real is your hope?•Might be the problem•Hope gives us confidence (Hebrews 3:6)
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Conclusion
Optimistic about life? Standing with God?