What is the Bible's take on optimism?

[Angee Licaa]

Ruth 1:21–22
"I walked out with my hands full, but Jehovah delivered me empty-handed." Why do you name me Naomi? The Lord has tormented me, and the Almighty has afflicted me." (see verse 21)
What was the reaction of God's people in Bethlehem when they saw Naomi return to her homeland? Why did Naomi give such a venomous response to everyone? How do we maintain our optimism in the face of adversity?

Naomi and Ruth packed their belongings and headed to Bethlehem, leaving the region of Moab behind, loaded with terrible memories. When Naomi returned, the entire city was stirred and rushed to inquire. They weren't sure whether it was Naomi because her appearance had changed so significantly. This shift isn't entirely related to her age, but rather to the bitterness in her soul and a deterioration in her health. It aches when she informs everyone that all she has now is bitterness, which she believes comes from the Almighty (verse 20-21).

Bitterness gnawed at Naomi's soul, forcing her to refer to God as someone who could only condemn and bring her calamity over and over again. Meanwhile, she was unaware that God's immense mercy for her continued to protect her life in the realm of idolatry. She didn't perceive God's decision to allow her to return to her homeland as a new beginning and a new chapter in her life. Because she will then be able to worship God, live peacefully with her fellow citizens, and be partly relieved of her grief. She also had no idea that she was about to become a historical figure in almighty God's drama. So, Naomi's resentment toward God stems from her decision to live a pessimistic life rather than one that is optimistic and trusting in Him.
In our lives as followers of God, we all have distinct joys and sorrows. However, not everyone can choose to be upbeat and trust God in the face of adversity. If we choose a positive attitude and believe that God is in control of everything, our lives will be transformed. Whatever agonizing suffering we are experiencing is under His power and authority. That is why the Apostle Paul exhorted Christians to give gratitude to God in all things (1 Thessalonians 5:18a). Do not interpret and explain God in a limited human sense; instead, ask God to help us maintain a strong faith in the almighty God so that we can remain positive in the face of all life's obstacles.
Are you a person who is constantly upbeat in any situation?
Lord, catastrophic life circumstances sometimes cause me to mistrust and blame You. Assist me in overcoming my emotions, choosing optimism, and placing my trust in You.

[Jinto]

I doubt Naomi would've been more happy if she knew she would be a historical figure

Sadness and sorrow are still very real. 

Paul wouldn't say this otherwise: Rom 15:12 "Mourn with those who mourn". 

God didn't rebuke Job for his genuine complaint but his friend for trying to explain away his afflictaffliction.

God answered Job in the late chapter and that was what all Job ever wanted.

 

Optimism applied to oneself is good but it just doesn't work when it comes seeing others suffering.

Edited June 16, 2022 by Jinto

[Who me]

On 6/15/2022 at 2:46 AM, Angee Licaa said:

If we choose a positive attitude and believe that God is in control of everything, our lives will be transformed.

The requirement is to trust God. 

We don't have to plaster a sickly grin on our face, we can be honest with God about our feelings.

 

He already knows that we're scream inside so pretending everything is well with God does not work.

 

When life kicks one in the teeth and stamps on ones fingers sometimes all that can be done is cry out to God and to cling to what ever faith one has.

We do not always know when or how God is carrying us, often it is only afterwards we realise that God was sustaining us.

[kwikphilly]

Blessings

    The pessimist is usually one who is self absorbed" woe is me".... Hmmm, a little like what Naomi & Job sounded like, huh?

So you see when we are focused on ourselves then every circumstance & every situation is happening " to us"..to be carnal minded and consumes by a spirit of pride is just bondage... In Christ those shackles & chains are broken

What is the Bibles take on optimism.. I believe the perfect example would be the Apostle Paul's" letters of Joy" written from within walls and bars where he was imprisoned.... For Christs sake was Paul's Eternal state of mind

When we die to ourselves we are Born Again to Live for Christ, in Him, He in us, we in the Father..... No, we are not all different with different problems etc. .no, not really because we have One Head, Jesus! Boy oh boy, thats cause for Celebration no matter what this ole world may dish out

 We can mourn for a night but Joy Comes in the morning.... I get some pretty tough days with lung cancer and a host of other health issues but you know what.... Nothing can take my Joy because its a fruit  I bear, my roots are firmly planted in good ground, I'm watered, fed and stand in His Light ! Can an apple tree not produce apples with all that TLC from its gardener.

My Gardener, my Shepherd, my Helper Makes me optimistic and yes, its a choice..... I accept the Life More Abundant my Lord Promised me!

With love in Christ, Kwik

[branchesofHim]

On 6/14/2022 at 6:46 PM, Angee Licaa said:

Lord, catastrophic life circumstances sometimes cause me to mistrust and blame You. Assist me in overcoming my emotions, choosing optimism, and placing my trust in You.

1 Peter 5:[6] Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
[7] Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
[8] Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
[9] Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.
[10] But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
[11] To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

1 Thessalonians 4:[13] But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
[14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
[15] For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
[16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
[17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
[18] Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Nahum 1:[7] The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.