“A New Year’s resolution is something that goes in one year and out the other.”
Ten Reasons for Optimism and Confidence
10) Life is short; eternity is forever – Focus on what is eternal
1 John 4:17 – In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him.
9) You are changing, God is not
Hebrews 13:8 – Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
8) You are stronger this year than last year
James 1:2-4 – Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
7) You are smarter this year than you were last year
James 1:5 – If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
6) You are free to be optimistic
Galatians 5:1 – It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
5) You are free to be confident
Ephesians 3:12 – “In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.”
Psalm 118:6 – “The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?
4) God wants you to lean on Him
Proverbs 3:5,6 – “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Isaiah 32:17 – “The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.”
3) God got you here…
Matthew 6:25 – “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?”
2) He is not going anywhere…
1 John 4:17 – “In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him.”
Psalm 71:5 – “For you have been my hope, O Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth.”
1) God wins in the end!
John 16:33 – “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Hebrews 10:32-39 (The Message) – Remember those early days after you first saw the light? Those were the hard times! Kicked around in public, targets of every kind of abuse—some days it was you, other days your friends. If some friends went to prison, you stuck by them. If some enemies broke in and seized your goods, you let them go with a smile, knowing they couldn’t touch your real treasure. Nothing they did bothered you, nothing set you back. So don’t throw it all away now. You were sure of yourselves then. It’s still a sure thing! But you need to stick it out, staying with God’s plan so you’ll be there for the promised completion. It won’t be long now, he’s on the way; he’ll show up most any minute. But anyone who is right with me thrives on loyal trust; if he cuts and runs, I won’t be very happy. But we’re not quitters who lose out. Oh, no! We’ll stay with it and survive, trusting all the way.
“The essence of optimism is that it takes no account of the present, but it is a source of inspiration, of vitality and hope where others have resigned; it enables a man to hold his head high, to claim the future for himself and not to abandon it to his enemy.” Dietrich Bonhoeffer
“My optimism wears heavy boots and is loud.” Henry Rollins
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