5914 optimism

The ability to face the future with confidence. For believers this is possible because of their knowledge of God.

Optimism resulting from faith

Confidence in God Ps 52:8; Ps 125:1 See also Ps 25:4-5; Ps 56:4; Ps 71:5; Ps 91:2; Na 1:7

Confidence in what God can do 2Co 1:10-11 See also Ps 27:1-3; Jer 17:7; Mic 7:7; Heb 13:6; 1Jn 5:14

Confidence in what God will do in the future 2Co 5:5-8 See also Ac 24:14-15; Gal 5:5; Php 1:3-6

Confidence founded on God’s grace Isa 12:1-2 See also Ezr 10:2; 2Co 3:4-5; Eph 3:12; 2Th 2:16-17; 1Jn 3:21-22

Encouragements to be optimistic

Jn 14:1; Ro 15:13 See also Ps 9:10; Ps 37:3-5; Ps 42:5; Ps 115:9-11; Jn 14:27; Jn 16:33; Ro 12:12; 1Ti 6:17; Heb 4:15; Heb 10:19-23; 1Pe 1:13; 1Jn 2:28

Examples of optimism

In the OT 2Ch 32:8; Pr 12:25; Pr 31:11

The apostle Peter 1Pe 5:10

The apostle Paul 2Co 7:4 See also 1Co 1:8-9; 1Co 4:17; 2Co 1:7; 2Co 2:3; 2Co 8:22; Php 2:22; Col 4:9,12-13; 2Ti 1:12; Phm 21

The apostle John 3Jn 3-5

Misplaced optimism

Trusting in anyone or anything other than God Ps 146:3 See also Jdg 9:26; 1Sa 15:32; Job 6:20; Job 8:12-13; Pr 11:7; Jer 7:4; Jer 9:4; Jer 12:6; Jer 49:4,31; Eze 29:16; Mic 7:5; 2Co 9:4

Presumption Eze 13:6 See also Isa 58:4; Jer 7:9-10; Lk 18:9

See also