How to Be Optimistic :-)

Here's another cool read - 'how to be optimistic'. It's from a non-Christian perspective but it actually is pretty biblical (well most of it). Isn't it kinda telling that with all the pyschology and counseling 'methods' and directions in the world, they 'discover' a method that actually God has already detailed in His Word?! Good read, very helpful - at least for those who tend to be pessimistic or often depressed or just plain grumpy (schlecht gelaunt for you Deutsche)! ;-) Was very helpful for me as a reminder.

Here are the main points of the article (you can find the full article here). I took the liberty of adding some bible verses that I think fit (again, not all in the article is directly biblical). If the Spirit shows you other verses - add them in your comments.

1. Let go of the assumption that the world is against you....
Rom 8.31 - 'What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?'

2. Look for the source of your pessimism.
Rom 8.5-6 - 'For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.'

3. Understand that the past does not equal the future.
2Cor 5.17 - 'Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.'

4. See yourself as a cause, not an effect.
Matt 7.12 - 'Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.'

5. Accept pain, failure and disappointment as a part of life, not the entirety of it.
1Pet 4.19 - 'Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.'
Rom 8.28 - 'And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.'

6. Be thankful.
1Thess 5.17 - 'in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you'

7. Use positive affirmations.
Phil 4.8 - 'Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things.'

8. Remember that life is short.
Ps 90.10,12 - 'The days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty years...So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.'
1Tim 6.17b - '...but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.'

9. Be a balanced optimist.
Neh 8.10 - 'Then he said to them, "Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." '