Looking on The Bright Side

Acts 16:19-26

Circumstances

Not good!•Beaten and imprisoned•Bad conditions

What to Do?

Become pessimistic? Wallow in self-pity?

Become optimistic, pray,and sing?

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.”

Optimism of Paul and Silas

Notice •Dreadful circumstances•God’s protection (Deuteronomy 33:29)

•Should be cheerful and optimistic (Psalm 146:1-10)

Optimism Through Faith

God will provide•Abraham (Genesis 22:8)•Us (Matthew 6:25-33)•Should be happiest people

Counted Their Blessings

No room for pessimism•God’s care (Psalm 8:3-5)•Generous (Psalm 68:19)

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)

Counted Their Blessings

Blessed materially and spiritually•Forgiveness of sins (Romans 4:7)•Blessed by hearing (Luke 11:28)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Be of Good Cheer

Message to us•Apostles (John 16:33)•In good times and bad times

Be of Good Cheer

Physical benefits•Medical studies•Bible (Proverbs 17:22)

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)

Allowed Hope to Sustain Them

Examples are numerous•Gladness (Proverbs 10:28)•Joy (Romans 15:13)

Allowed Hope to Sustain Them

How real is your hope?•Might be the problem•Hope gives us confidence (Hebrews 3:6)

Conclusion

Optimistic about life? Standing with God?