So I’m writing today because I have writer’s block for a talk I’m writing and I thought this might be a more creative way to get out my ideas than in an outline. Here, my ideas can just flow out in whatever form they want to. So here goes…
Hope and Optimism
What is the difference between hope and optimism? They seem to be similar. In fact, when I googled the term “hope,” several entries came up with the idea that hope is a belief that one’s circumstances in life can turn out positive. But I think it goes deeper than that. I believe that the correct term for that definition is closer to optimism. Optimism is when you believe things will turn out great and life will get better. Hope, I feel is a more long term idea. Hope is knowing that not everything in life will turn out great, but knowing that there is good that will come in the end. Our hope is in Jesus, knowing that while we suffer on earth, there is redemption and salvation for us. We go through our lives with hope because we know there is good coming our way at the end. Jesus promised us this and Paul speaks about it in Romans 8:18, “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us.” That is why if I didn’t have faith, if I didn’t believe in God, I would not understand this world at all. What would be the point of living? Why would I go through trials and suffering without hope of some kind that it would all come out good in the end? I don’t think I would want to live in a world without hope.
