A glass half empty or half full? Pessimist or optimist? You can glance across your life and see hurts, hardships, disappointments, even betrayals. Or, you can do as the Apostle Paul, acknowledging his circumstances, but focusing on what was ahead for him.

It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored.

Philippians 1:20

One problem with being a half-empty pessimist is that it becomes difficult to approach the future with any enthusiasm. If you are always a victim, you have little consciousness of the good things God has done for you. The optimist, on the other hand, looks forward with anticipating to seeing Him do even better things in their future. Just check today: Are you living in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ? Are you loving with His love? Are you forgiving as you’ve been forgiven? Are you expectant about the future? Your today is the gateway to your tomorrows.

Pray that God will help you release past hurts and disappointments, and fix your eyes on how He’s at work right now – and will be from here to eternity. Pray, too, for America, and know God is in control…no matter what happens.

Recommended Reading: Philippians 1:12-20