Freedom from Pessimism

Over the past couple of days, we’ve been learning about overcoming pessimism. Thomas, one of the twelve disciples, has become well-remembered as a doubter so that we sometimes call people a “doubting Thomas.” Ultimately, Thomas’ doubt stemmed from a faulty view of who Jesus is—and that is the over-arching cause for doubt. But Jesus so patiently worked with Thomas to bring him from doubt to victory, transforming him from a doubter to a faith-filled preacher. Thomas may have doubted the resurrected Christ at first, but when Christ appeared to him, he received the ultimate freedom from pessimism.

The effect freedom from pessimism brings is clearly seen in Thomas’ life following that experience. Thomas’ transformation was not just intellectual. His transformation changed every area of his life and moved him to do something great for God in response. Thomas took the Gospel into some of the toughest parts of the world in his day, areas such as Nineveh and India.

Freedom from pessimism begins when we understand what our calling teaches us about how loved by God we are. Our understanding is enhanced by remembering what God, in His power and awesome grace, has done on our behalf. When we experience, by faith, the resurrection power of our Lord Jesus Christ on a deep and personal level like Thomas did, Jesus will transform us from being pessimistic to visionary, suspicious to victorious, uncertain to confident, and hopeless to joyful as we trust in the promises of God to make all things new in His perfect time.

Prayer: Father, thank You that I can have hope because I have experienced the power of the resurrected Christ in my life. Thank You for setting me free from pessimism and giving me a hope that does not disappoint. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.