5 Ways To Keep A Positive Point Of View

The Christian author C. S. Lewis has said that one of the things that separates man from any other creature is the ability to imagine the future. All other creatures from the largest whale to the smallest single-cell amoeba, only live in the moment, driven by God-given instinct. In other words, a bear knows when to hibernate, a bird knows when to migrate, and an owl knows when to hunt. But only a human can plan, reason, and make decisions about the future. You cannot foresee what will actually happen in the future, only God can do that. But you can imagine what will or could happen. 

Since humans have the ability to imagine the future, they can have basically just three different views about the future: a positive view, a negative view, and a neutral view. One with a neutral view would be one who is indifferent about their future, and don't really care. The negative view would be the idea that the future is dim, and filled with failure and disappointment. However, the positive view looks to the future with expectation that good things will happen in the future. This positive view is called HOPE.

So, what is HOPE? A non-believer's definition of hope is much different than Christian's definition of hope. A non-believer will see hope as a positive outcome of some future situation, either by chance, by effort, or by personal skill. For example, winning a card game, or buying a newer car, or getting a better test score would be their hope. 

A Christian's definition of hope differs greatly from a non-believer's definition in the fact that it involves faith in God. So, for a Christian, hope can be defined as a confident expectation that some future situation or condition will turn out favorably based on faith in God's providence, promises, and intervention. 

Since a Christian's confident hope is founded in faith, if we are in Christ and He is in us, our hope can never be taken away. It's hope that gives us a positive point of view. Here are 5 ways keep our hope strong -- to keep a positive point of view. 

1— Realize that our current circumstance will pass. 

One of my mother’s favorite sayings was, “This too shall pass.” This saying represents a positive perspective. It doesn't mean we deny reality; it just means we acknowledge that, even in the toughest circumstances, we have a way through them -- a light at the end of the tunnel. 

2— Realize that God is with us through every circumstance. 

God will never abandon us. No matter what we go through, the good, or the bad, He is with us always. We have a "real-time" God who is interactive and who can intervene on our behave if He choses to.

3 — Realize that God is constantly working for our good.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)

God, as a perfect, loving Father, wants the best for us, His children, and He always working for our good. 

4 — Realize that God can do the impossible

Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” (Luke 18:27)

Don't discount what God can do!

5 — Realize God hears our prayers

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6)

Although God may not answer our prayers exactly like we want, it is still comforting to know that He hears us and at considers every prayer request. We then leave it up to Him how He will respond and decide.

So — to summarize, here's 5 ways to keep a positive point of view:

1 — Realize that our current circumstance will pass.

2 — Realize that God is with us through every circumstance.

3 — Realize that God is constantly working for our good.

4 — Realize that God can do the impossible.

5 — Realize God hears our prayers.

For a Christian, we trust that God is actively involved in our future days. And because of this faith in God, we have a confident hope. 

"I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance."  (Ephesians 1:18)