During various seasons of our lives, we may be going through times that are difficult. It is normal and expected of us to feel anxious and to worry.
Questions and doubts may arise; how do we deal with these feelings of anxiety and worry in order to forge a better outcome of our situation? Is it possible for us to be optimistic in any circumstance, like the apostle Paul? Can we really NOT worry about the physical things like health, material possessions, and finance just as our Lord Jesus said?
During the course of Paul's missionary journeys, he encountered various events of hardship that would break a person's will to serve God or even to live. We can read some of these incidents in 2 Corinthians 11:23-25; he was thrown to prison, 5 times he was beaten with 39 stripes by the Jews, was stoned once and suffered 3 shipwrecks.
Paul’s optimistic outlook encourages us to rise during times of distress. We can tackle anxiety and worry with optimism which is set upon God’s Word. Below are some tips that we can apply.
1. Proper Perspective
Our Lord Jesus has laid the foundation of having a proper perspective in life with reasons and assurance (Matthew 6:25-34). He begins by stating: life is more than meeting physical needs and increasing one’s material gains. Next, using the examples of the birds and flowers; insignificant as they are, how our Heavenly Father provides for them such that they lack nothing. In contrast, we who are much more precious in God's sight, our Heavenly Father who knows us will certainly provide to meet our needs. Thus we are encouraged not to worry about tomorrow as it will not improve our situation if we continue to worry and be stressed out.
2. Seek God First
During difficult times, we should seek God first (Matthew 6:33), submit our will to God’s will. Why? Because of this assurance: All things work together for GOOD to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). Ultimately our life is temporal on Earth and after our physical death is eternal life (2 Corinthians 4:17).
3. Pray
Another thing we can do is to pray and guard our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:6). As God’s grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9), let us allow God to work in our lives (2 Corinthians 12:7).
4. I “Can” Attitude
When things do not go our way, let us learn to be content and remember that we can do all things through Christ which strengthened us (Philippians 4:11-13). Yes, indeed we can overcome and emerge victorious (Romans 8:35, 37-39).
5. Positive Influence
As we are the salt and the light of the world, we are encouraged to be a good example to the world. During challenging times, let us be a joyful Christian (Philippians 4:4 and 10) and continue to exhort one another to do good (1 Corinthians 5:6). Lest we be like the Israelites who were ungrateful and full of complaints.
6. Be Contented
For the love of money is the root of all evil (1 Timothy 6:10). For one cannot serve two masters (Matthew 6:19, 21, 24). In ancient times, God’s people were warned not to covet (Exodus 20:17). Thus, in all circumstances, let us be content (Philippians 4:11, 12). To rely more on God and less on ourselves. For we know that we should be God-sufficiency not self-sufficiency.
Conclusion
Let us be like Paul who chose to accept the hardships of life because he had something so wonderful to look forward to. Even when facing the possibility of death, he remembered the Lord’s promise and assurance of the joy that lay ahead, thus he wrote Philippians 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Remember optimism is something that is learned. May this article let our spirits rise during times of distress.