Is it okay to be a pessimistic Christian?
Pessimism is defined as the tendency to see the worst aspect of things or believe that the worst will happen. Looking at the state of the world never has the temptation to fall into pessimism been stronger. Some would even go as far as to say that there is no harm in that way of thinking – that it’s okay considering the current circumstances. But as Christians, aren’t we called to a life of optimism and joy?
The root of pessimism
I think sometimes we see pessimism and unbelief as two very different ideas. But the truth is, the core of pessimism is unbelief.
Unbelief can be defined as ‘an absence of faith’. For a Christian, unbelief is very dangerous ground. Its sneaky nature steals dreams before they even have a chance to blossom.
'There are no jobs' says the undergraduate halfway through their study, yet to search for a job.
'I'm scared of the future' says the child picking her university options.
‘It probably won’t get any better’ says the wife, facing a rough patch in her marriage.
‘My kids will always be that way’ says the mother who is tired of her misbehaving children.
Pessimistic statements like the ones above blind us from seeing the goodness of God. They have us believing that hope does not exist, or never will. But remember this: what may be the enemy's playground is our battleground.
A call to optimism
In Ephesians 6 it is written: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand”. (NIV)
We have been commanded to "take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one”. (NIV)
Think of the Israelites (Exodus 24: 15-17) who watched Moses climb to the top of a mountain where the glory of God descended. Watching Moses, the Israelites saw what looked like a fire on the top of the mountain, but really, it was a glorious cloud. Moses was safe in the presence of God. Had they had faith, maybe they would have seen a cloud instead of a fire.
It takes courage to believe in what you cannot see. Courage that we are unable to have without the shield of faith that Christ has equipped us with - trust in Him, trust in His word, trust in His might. Take up the shield of faith and trust that He that has risen from the dead can do all things. Eventually, you will see a flower emerge in the ruins right in front of you.
