Optimistic and Joyful

Just for today I will be joyful, optimistic, and grateful.  I will take time to notice the gifts in me, in others, and in my surroundings and let the rest go. 

Followers of Jesus should be some of the most optimistic people on the planet as we ground our lives in faith - faith that trusts in God, learns from God, and builds on the promises that God gives in the Bible. 

And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. Hebrews 11:6 

Our own shame and failure to forgive ourselves are often some of the greatest barriers to living joyfully and optimistically today.  God promises us forgiveness.  Jesus paid with His life so we could have eternal life and freedom from sin today. The devil seeks to keep us hiding our pain in the darkness of unforgiveness so we will feel like damaged goods.  It’s time to let the past go into the cleansing river of God’s unlimited healing and forgiveness. 

Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.   Proverbs 28:13

And aren’t we grateful for folks around us who receive us, who share the gift of their lives with us, who make space for us to belong?  Of course irritating things will show up here and there in those relationships – because we are all flawed individuals, after all – but one of the greatest gifts we can experience is letting go of things like resentments and grudges, and intentionally bringing to mind the gifts that this person bring to us and to the world around us. 

We offer forgiveness and set healthy boundaries as needed, but still choose to focus on the good and lovely in the person. 

Heavenly Father, You know us  and You know everything in our hearts and in our circumstances.  We bring it all to You and choose to let it go into Your cleansing river of healing and forgiveness so we can live in Your joy and peace today. Help us to see ourselves, others, and this day as You see it all. Amen