When I think of joy, I think of my friend Buddy. He’s one of those guys who’s always smiling, always upbeat and optimistic—a real pleasure to be around. It’s clichÈ, I know, but he really does “light up a room.” Someone described Buddy’s normal facial expression as “all teeth and eyeballs!” I used to think Buddy was so happy because he had every reason to be. A hard working Christian, successful, financially comfortable, with a loving wife and two wonderful children, Buddy seemingly had it made. But then I saw Buddy having to deal with some hard things. Prolonged terminal illness and death in his family, a retirement dream that didn’t work out, and several hard issues that come with life. But Buddy’s joyful spirit didn’t change. Quite the contrary. He continued to be an inspiration to others, his joy permeating his life.
Spiritual Optimism
Someone suggested, “An optimist invented the airplane. A pessimist invented the parachute!” Don’t confuse optimism with being a perpetual Pollyanna. A Pollyanna refuses to see reality. An optimist sees the reality, but chooses to focus on the good in any situation. Christians should be “spiritual optimists.” Paul had every reason to be a defeatist. But he chose to focus on the bigger picture, his ultimate goal of Heaven. Even in his suffering he was eagerly awaiting the coming of his Savior (Philippians 3:20). Always rejoice in the Lord, Paul said, regardless of your present circumstances.
Our Secret Weapon
I remember a gospel song from my childhood. The author wrote that he wasn’t worried, because he had read the last chapter and he knew how the story turns out. Christians can be spiritual optimists because we know how the story turns out. Skeptics accuse Christians of putting our hope in “pie in the sky by-and-by.” I don’t buy it. Neither does Buddy and neither did Paul. Our joy is deep and unshakeable because we know that no matter what we are dealing with in the present, our God loves us, and we win in the end. I know. I read the last chapter.
