Optimism of Hope

Optimism has many synonyms and related words: "happiness", "hope," "joyfulness," "positive attitude," "high spirits," and "cheerfulness," among others.

Optimism has been defined as an enduring tendency to expect the best, or at least, a favourable outcome in the future. Two people looking out the same window may see different things. The optimist, for example, may see beautiful stars that brighten the night; the pessimist may see dirty mud, which further depresses the mood. Through the eyes of an optimist the glass is seen as half full; through the eyes of the pessimist the glass is seen as half empty. Optimism is, indeed, the face of our faith, and it is built on: hope and trust in God; belief that He can work things out for our best, based on the verses: "We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him" (Rom. 8:28, NIV) and "God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it" (1 Cor. 10:13, NIV).

The optimist may have peace and even joy when things do not turn out the way the person had wanted. In this life we experience brokenness, sickness, and even death; yet through all this, we may know an equanimity and peace that are beyond human understanding or expectation. By exercising the choice to be optimistic, we can enjoy wholeness even in our human brokenness. (And we all are broken in some way or another, be it physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually).

We are fearfully and wonderfully made! No wonder the Bible says: "A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries the bones" (Prov. 17:22, NIV). Below are some benefits we can get from hearty laughter: It exercises the lungs; stimulates the circulatory system; increases the oxygen intake into the lungs, which is then distributed by the blood to the cells; and acts as an internal jogger.

The heart rate, breathing, and circulation will speed up after good and hearty laughter. Subsequently the pulse rate and blood pressure will decrease, and the skeletal muscles may then become relaxed. Studies show that each time a person is happy and has laughed genuinely (not forced, superficial laughter), the sympathetic nervous system is stimulated, which in turn produces catecholamines. These catecholamines then stimulate the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland to produce endorphins, which: soothe and relax the mind as the body’s natural opiates. They can relieve pain more effectively than morphine, elevate the mood, and may increase the activity of the immune cells.

It may not always be possible to be happy and laughing, but a positive attitude can be cultivated - and studies show that a positive, optimistic attitude carries beneficial effects. We can be happy and experience genuine laughter, especially when we completely trust God, knowing that He is in control of our lives no matter what the circumstances may be.