Finding OPTIMISM in the midst of a CRISIS

Can one still have an optimistic outlook in spite of? Our country’s economy being in a recession? When both large and small corporations are closing? When many have been laid off and the unemployment rate is continuously climbing? When Real Estate values in many areas have plummeted? When we constantly live in dread of having a furious hodgepodge of torrential weather conditions such as earthquakes, tornados, flooding, drought, tsunamis and hurricanes across the land that are upon us? Today we are living in a time that you have to be prepared for just about anything happening at anytime. The ongoing threat of both foreign and domestic terrorism continues. Global warming and a decline in the quality of our universal environment is increasingly becoming a growing concern.

God is still the same! Currently there has been immense apprehension in regards to the rising spreading “Swine Flu” or should I say; the H1N1virus epidemic.  The death statistics are climbing.  In Mexico they even had to close down libraries, schools restaurants and public facilities. Surgical masks were distributed and worn for precautionary measures to help abate its spreading. Here is an announcement that was made.

Public health emergency of international
concern" has been declared by the World Health Organization,
fears of a global swine flu epidemic grow worldwide.

A Measure of FAITH helps…

Can one still have an optimistic outlook in spite of? In spite of all of these quite somber and disquieting concerns it is still possible to have peace, even in the midst of all these alarms. Instead of letting anxiety rule, try getting some spiritual assistance during your crisis moments. Instead of pushing God away try turning to Him! Begin to develop a healthy FAITH. Healthy faith teaches you to focus on God. First know this; how very important it is to develop a trusting, growing relationship with God. He is our Creator and Maker through Jesus Christ, who is the Word made flesh, He spoke everything into existence. Take time and spend some quality time getting to know Him.

The ultimate conversation with God = PRAYER

Think of prayer as the ultimate opportunity to have an intimate conversation with God who already knows how things are going to work out. Since He already knows what’s going on you don’t have to remind Him of all the details unless you want to. You do have to be honest because, He knows that too! God is Omniscient! He knows what has happened and what is going to happen. He knows about everyone and everything past, present and future, which in itself is amazing! You cannot change anything that has already happened. But you can start from wherever you are! The Word tells us that “He is The Author and Finisher of our Faith.” He has given each of us the measure of faith. It is up to us to exercise it. As His children “We live by Faith not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5 It is so comforting to believe and know He has everything under HIS control!

Although we are in the midst of all of these serious alarms it still is important to take some time to “Praise God” for who He is! In spite of everything that is going on if you just take a few moments, I am sure that there is something that you can personally think of to thank God for? His Word has a plethora of interesting illustrations to demonstrate that in seemingly impossible situations, God stepped in. “Praise God from whom all Blessings flow…”

Here are a few Miracles to Ponder to ENCOURAGE YOU…

Jesus healed the blind, lame and sick and even raised the dead. Lazarus had been in the grave for three (3) days when He called him from death to life! Jesus fed a multitude of five thousand plus with just two fish and five loaves of bread. Talk about multiplication! He calmed the tempestuous sea, as a matter of fact He parted the Jordon River for Moses so the children of Israel could walk across, on not wet but dry land. Think about that for a moment! He even feed them while in the desert. He rained “Manna” from heaven! Not only for a few but close to 1,000,000 men, women & children for forty (40) years! Imagine that’s a lot of food coming down! Now, this is really amazing, God allowed “the sun to stay still and stay in the middle of the sky and delayed going down for a full day” (Joshua 10) after Joshua prayed! These are just a few of many many more. God is still the same!

What you dwell on can take you down or UP…

When going through …. If you need a reminder just look up! That big beautiful sky He spoke into existence is a wondrous daily reminder of just how powerful He is, and it is wherever you go! Embracing harmful attitudes is not good for you. It can result in depression, anxiety, hopelessness and being too critical. It is good to become conscious of what you lend your time and thoughts to. A good place to start is by inviting God’s presence in your life daily. Ask Him for that “daily bread.” Remember the manna?Surrender whatever it is to the Lord. Step out on faith and begin to TRUST HIM! By getting in His Word and developing an ongoing growing relationship with Him you can begin to have an optimistic outlook in spite of. Always keep in mind that God is a wise, loving, merciful and all knowing God. He is the ultimate Father who loves you. We as His children are forever growing on this side of heaven. He has a plan for each of us.

Be Encouraged

There has been and always will be something. This has been true from the very beginning of time. This is also why it is so important to begin taking the time to “Praise God now! ” Don’t just wait until something happens, try taking time each day. I assure you if you do, you will feel a lot better and become much happier. You will definitely begin to move towards having an optimistic outlook!

Stepping Out On Faith!

Everything will never be just as we want it. There is always something happening that challenges us to rise to another level of functioning. That is the cycle of life. Notice how naturally there is even a progression in the seasons. So it is with life. Ecclesiastes 3 tells us “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” If we spend all of our time worrying we miss the point and preciousness of life. This does not mean being stewed in denial. We must face the Truth of what is going on about us, yet, always keeping in mind that God has given us His Comforter to help us go through.

Keep Looking UP! It is possible to be optimistic in spite of……

Time is so precious it is simply priceless! How you spend it is important! What or who you focus on is important! God alone knows how much time we have. He created time! We have all the time we need to do whatever it is He has created each of us for, even when there are so many alarms about us. When things happen beyond our control it is important we look to God for direction. Remember the Miracles I mentioned earlier? Yes, it’s a different time, but same God! We all have been directly or indirectly impacted by what’s going on in our country and the world at large. And yes we should always be concerned. But, remember that in spite of what is going on it is still possible to have an optimistic outlook! KEEP LOOKING UP! Remember to keep in mind, “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world and all who live in it; for He founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.” Now step out on FAITH!