Mentors Are Very Special Blessings

Proverbs 27:17 (GNT) - People learn from one another, just as iron sharpens iron.

Anyone who obtains a mentor in life should consider themselves blessed.

Anyone who obtains two in their lifetime is truly blessed.

The first of my mentors taught me to be a professional.

He also taught me not to overcomplicate things.

No one doubted his ability to solve a complex problem.

He also had the ability to explain the problem and the solution to non-professionals clearly.

Even though I no longer work in that industry, his lessons serve me well.

My other mentor was a spiritual mentor.

Although well educated, she never talked down to anyone.

She was truly humble.

She also had a servant’s heart.

It was her guidance that led me to teach Sunday School and Bible School for adults.

And although her knowledge was vast, her actions and demeanor spoke louder than words.

So, I do indeed feel blessed that God granted me two mentors,

I feel even more blessed in that I considered each a friend.

My professional mentor passed away several years ago.

My spiritual mentor very recently.

In reflecting on them both, the passage from Proverbs immediately came to mind.

I learned from each one just as iron sharpens iron.

And as I grow older, I will consider myself even more blessed if I should mentor someone.

I miss my mentors and friends.

But although I miss them, I do not grieve in the conventional sense.

Christ’s words from the Sermon on the Mount also spring to mind.

Those who willingly and freely share of themselves do God’s will.

They obey the words of Jesus.

And they will see God.

Matthew 5:8 (GNT) - Happy are the pure in heart; they will see God!

In loving memory of H. K.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, February 24, 2023.

I will be back here on Friday, March 3, 2023

The Source of Stability

Revelation 1:4 (GNT) - From John to the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace be yours from God, who is, who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits in front of his throne,

I know people who are uncomfortable with the book of Revelation.

Granted, it is the final book of the Bible and is apocalyptic in nature.

Its language is symbolic.

As human beings, we tend to dislike the unknown and it can elicit an uncomfortable response.

But, as I remind my students, there is no need to fear either the book or the unknown.

In fact, John opens the book with a greeting to the seven churches.

He wishes them both grace and peace from God.

He also reminds them about an important aspect of God.

God is unchanging.

Our perspective of time is composed of past, present and future.

We change.

Our circumstances change.

Through it all, God never changes, and I take great comfort in that.

The Psalmist also reminds us that God never changes.

Psalm 127 is a prayer to God from one who is suffering.

He pours out his heart to God.

He begins his prayer by asking God to listen to him.

He recognizes his own mortality.

He agonizes over what has become of his people.

Ultimately, he recognizes the unchanging nature of God.

Psalm 102:27 (GNT) - But you are always the same, and your life never ends.

Like John and the Psalmist, we too find ourselves at crossroads.

We have choices to make.

Will we allow the storms of life to shake our faith?

Will we allow the future and the unknown to instill fear?

Or will we accept both grace and peace?

The grace and peace that comes directly from God.

Circumstances may change, but God never does.

God is, was, and always will be God.

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, February 10, 2023.

I will be back here on Friday, February 17, 2023

No Worries

Psalm 31:15a (NET) - You determine my destiny.

As human beings, we tend to worry about our future.

But worry accomplishes nothing.

No amount of worry can change our future.

The Psalmist’s words are words of comfort.

But more than that, they remind us why we need never worry about our future.

The Psalmist understood that the Lord was his destiny.

The Lord is our destiny as well.

Jesus understood this and explained this to His disciples.

First, He reminded them of the things they tended to worry about.

Then, He reminded them of their value to God.

In the end, He drove the lesson home.

Luke 12:25 (NET) - And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life?

We like to think that we are in control.

But this is an illusion.

The reality is quite different.

Ultimately, it is God who is in control.

So, what should we do?

We need to let go and trust God.

God can help us do that.

Once we let go, we can encounter God in a new and peaceful way.

We can stop worrying needlessly about the future and focus on today.

We can recognize how much He is with us in the present.

Then we can understand that He is already waiting for us in the future.

Both the Psalmist and Jesus got it right.

God is our destiny and there is no need to worry!

 

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, December 10, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, December 17, 2021

Opening Up

1 Samuel 3:9 (NET) - So Eli said to Samuel, “Go back and lie down. When he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’ So Samuel went back and lay down in his place.

Samuel heard several calls.

Each time he thought it was his master, Eli.

Finally, Eli understood that it was the Lord who was calling Samuel.

Samuel took Eli’s advice.

When he did, he began to develop a personal relationship with the Lord.

Hearing is one thing.

Listening, really listening, is another.

Once Samuel listened, his heart was opened.

He was then able to respond to what the Lord was saying.

Something similar happened to a woman named Lydia.

In Acts, we read of Paul’s travels to Philippi.

On the Sabbath, he journeyed outside the city to pray.

A group of women gathered, and Paul spoke with them.

Acts 16:14 (NET) - A woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, a God-fearing woman, listened to us. The Lord opened her heart to respond to what Paul was saying.

The Lord used Paul’s words to open Lydia’s heart.

She and her family were then baptized.

Does the Lord still call?

I believe that He does.

But are we too distracted to respond?

He may be using others to reach us.

Or are we too busy to take notice?

Or perhaps He is trying to reach others through us.

Or have we become too indifferent to care?

When these things happen, we can call upon the Lord.

He can help us remove the distractions.

He can help us to refocus our efforts.

He can rekindle the love in our hearts and open them.

We can then open our hearts to God and to those around us once more.

God can even open the hearts of others through us if we let Him.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, November 26, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, December 3, 2021

Into the Light

Isaiah 60:19-20 (NET) - The sun will no longer supply light for you by day, nor will the moon’s brightness shine on you; the Lord will be your permanent source of light—the splendor of your God will shine upon you. Your sun will no longer set; your moon will not disappear; the Lord will be your permanent source of light; your time of sorrow will be over.

After the summer solstice, the days began to get shorter.

At first the change was imperceptible.

After all, the decrease was just over two minutes a day.

By now, the cumulative change has become more pronounced.

And, with the upcoming time change, the onset of evening will arrive even earlier.

Isaiah spoke of a much different light.

This light would never dim, nor would it depend upon either the time of day or year.

This light would forever shine upon man.

This light would be the light of the Lord.

Jesus is that light.

In fact, He told us this.

John 12:46 (NET) - I have come as a light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in darkness.

Christ wants us to live in the light – His light.

Because of His sacrifice, we no longer need to live in darkness.

We can live in the light.

Jesus can light our path and lead us out of whatever darkness surrounds us.

We can bask in the light and warmth of His love.

But what then?

We must then reflect His light toward others.

Others who continue to dwell in darkness and suffering.

With His help, we can invite them to step out of the shadows and the cold.

Then, they too can bask in the light and warmth of His love.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, November 12, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, November 19, 2021

Does God Still Call?

1 Samuel 3:4 (NET) - The Lord called to Samuel, and he replied, “Here I am!”

The Lord called to Samuel several times before Samuel responded to God.

Initially, Samuel thought these calls came from Eli.

It was Eli that first understood that the Lord was calling Samuel.

He instructed Samuel to return and listen for the call once more and respond accordingly.

The Lord called Samuel again.

1 Samuel 3:10 (NET) - Then the Lord came and stood nearby, calling as he had previously done, “Samuel! Samuel!” Samuel replied, “Speak, for your servant is listening!”

Something similar happened to Paul when he visited Corinth.

Paul was busy proclaiming Jesus to the Jews who lived there.

They rejected Paul’s teachings, so he turned his attention to the Gentiles.

Many of them heard Paul.

They believed and were baptized.

The Lord then spoke to Paul in a vision.

Acts 18:9-10a (NET) - One night the Lord said to Paul in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent; for I am with you

Paul continued his outreach to the Gentiles.

His letters make up a good portion of the Bible we have today.

Paul’s response to God’s call would eventually cost him his life.

And, when God called Samuel, He told him that He was going to judge Eli.

He then instructed Samuel to tell Eli.

This must have been extremely difficult for Samuel.

What about us?

Does God still call?

Does He call us?

I believe He does.

Perhaps, like Samuel, we do not recognize His call.

Or perhaps we are too busy or distracted.

Maybe we choose not to listen.

We might even be afraid.

We find the silence around us comforting.

We even find it safe.

For silence asks nothing from us.

But God’s call can be frightening.

It is certainly uncomfortable.

The evils of the world still exist.

Is God calling us to speak out against things like hatred, racism, and injustice?

We do not need to be afraid when God calls us to speak out.

As God told Paul, “Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent; for I am with you.”

Is God telling us the same?

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, October 22, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, November 5, 2021

We Can Learn

Psalm 119:67 (NET) - Before I was afflicted I used to stray off, but now I keep your instructions.

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible.

Its 176 verses speak of the character of God.

But this time it was verse sixty-seven that captured my attention.

The Psalmist is saying that he used to stray until he was made to suffer.

This paints a clear picture of God as the Father.

Even human fathers discipline their children when it becomes necessary.

A human father disciplines his children when he must, not because he wants to.

Similarly, God disciplines us only when He must.

Such discipline is for our benefit.

Paul understood this.

He described the results of discipline in his second letter to Corinth.

2 Corinthians 7:10 (NET) - For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation and brings no regret, but worldly grief produces death.

As human beings, we sometimes stray away from God.

God, being the loving Father, disciplines us when we stray too far.

He does not do this out of anger, spite, or vengeance.

He does this because He loves us and wants us to return to Him.

When we return, He proves this.

He forgives us.

God remains faithful even when we choose to rebel.

He wants us to keep His instructions and those of Jesus.

Should we not then share that same love with others?

Should we not also forgive just as we have been forgiven?

Forgiveness can be difficult even for Christians.

But with God’s love, help, and discipline… even we can learn to love… and forgive.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, October 8, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, October 15, 2021

No Fear

Isaiah 54:14 (NET) - You will be reestablished when I vindicate you. You will not experience oppression; indeed, you will not be afraid. You will not be terrified, for nothing frightening will come near you.

Isaiah’s words promise the people security.

He speaks of reestablishment and freedom from oppression.

But these words of promise also include commands.

“You will not be afraid.”

“You will not be terrified.”

Isaiah wrote these words centuries before the birth of Christ.

But today’s world is confusing.

In fact, it can even appear frightening.

The world reminds us that we live in a pandemic.

It reminds us that there is corruption.

It reminds us that there is injustice.

In fact, a list of the world’s negative reminders can be overwhelming.

Considering these, how are we not to be afraid?

How are we not to be terrified?

For the answer, we must turn to the words of Christ.

John 14:27 (NET) - “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; I do not give it to you as the world does. Do not let your hearts be distressed or lacking in courage.

Jesus gives us peace, His peace.

His gift of peace is far different from what the world offers us.

He gives us commands as well.

But His commands are gentler.

We should not feel distressed.

We should not lack courage.

Our circumstances can overwhelm us if we let them.

But God in His infinite love sent His Son to us.

A Son who promises a peace that exceeds all understanding.

A Son who embodies the very meaning of love. 

He gives His peace and love to us.

He wants us to share that same peace and love with others.

As the world offers fear, may we instead offer hope through Jesus.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, September 24, 2021.

I will be back here on Friday, October 1, 2021

Love Endures

Proverbs 31:26 (NET) - She has opened her mouth with wisdom, with loving instruction on her tongue.

Mother’s Day was a bittersweet time for me.

Mom passed away almost 15 years ago, and I still love and miss her very much.

That is why I was so grateful to receive an email from a friend who is a man of God.

Like me, he too had a wonderful relationship with his mother,

In his email, he reminded me how blessed both of us are for the mothers God gave us.

I readily agreed.

My faith would not be what it is had it not been for my mother.

Some of my earliest memories are of her telling me stories from the Bible.

She told them with great conviction.

Afterward, she took the time to answer the questions a young boy inevitably had.

That is why I always think of Proverbs 31 whenever I remember my mother.

The last half of this chapter describes a good wife.

I believe it also describes a good mother.

This year I wondered how Mom would have dealt with the current situation.

I concluded she would have been concerned.

But her concern would have been for others rather than herself.

In fact, two passages of scripture she cited most often were about concern and where to turn for help.

John 14:27 (KJV) - Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Psalm 121:1-3 (KJV) - I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.

Mother’s Day will always be a bittersweet time for me no matter how old I get.

That’s a good thing.

It reminds me how special she was to me.

It also reminds me others thought she was special as well.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at https://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, May 22, 2020.

I’ll be back here on Friday, June 5, 2020

Discomfort, Change, Growth

There is a growing tendency these days to want to ban things which make us uncomfortable.

I recently read where some libraries are banning a literary classic because of a single word.

The reason given is that this word might make people feel uncomfortable.

This is nothing new.

History tells us of other times when books were banned.

In some cases, they were even burned.

There have even been times when people banned and burned the Bible.

Even churches are not immune to this kind of thinking.

Some churches have made a conscious decision not to display the cross.

The reason given is that the display of a cross could make people feel uncomfortable.

But is discomfort alone a good reason to ban anything?

Right now, I am studying The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

Frankly, this book makes me feel uncomfortable,

Even the title is disquieting as Bonhoeffer reminds me that discipleship comes at a cost.

Bonhoeffer’s words are also unsettling as they remind me that I still have a very long way to go in my journey.

Even the Bible makes me uncomfortable at times.

This happens when it reminds me that I fall short even on my very best days.

The cross certainly makes me feel uncomfortable when it reminds me of the price Jesus paid for me.

In and of itself, discomfort is not bad.

Discomfort is a great motivator for change.

In fact, we should find books like Bonhoeffer’s uncomfortable.

We should even find the cross and the Bible uncomfortable at times.

The personal discomfort these things bring on should motivate us to change.

They should motivate us to grow as Christians.

As for the book in question, the word it uses should make all of us uncomfortable.

It should remind us that some things should be relegated to the past of which they were a part.

It should remind us not to repeat the mistakes of the past.

If we ban things like books, Bibles and crosses when they make us uncomfortable then we also ban the lessons they teach us.

Without these lessons, we are less likely to change.

Without change we do not grow.

Ephesians 4:13-15 (NET) - until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God—a mature person, attaining to the measure of Christ’s full stature. So we are no longer to be children, tossed back and forth by waves and carried about by every wind of teaching by the trickery of people who craftily carry out their deceitful schemes. But practicing the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ, who is the head.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, October 27, 2017.

I’ll be back here on Friday, November 3, 2017

Sold Out

The state in which I live just got hit by a hurricane.

The first communities to be hit were devastated by high winds.

There was more to come.

The storm then dropped record rainfall amounts on a major city and surrounding areas.

Lives were lost.

There was also a great deal of good.

Ordinary people pitched in to help those less fortunate.

Shelters opened their doors to take in those displaced by the storm.

Supplies began to pour in from far away.

Volunteers came in to offer their assistance.

Some traveled many miles to just assist the less fortunate.

But not everything was positive.

Stores miles away in relatively unaffected areas ran out of basics like water, bread and eggs.

As I write this, cars are lined up at gas stations not only filling their cars but gas cans as well.

A few stations have sold out of gas completely.

Some people are driving miles out of their way just to buy gas which they will consume on the way home.

Fear can do that to people.

Most people don’t think of being prepared until the crisis is right on their doorstep.

Even after the worst has passed, fear tends to maintain its grip and they worry about problems that do not yet exist.

Yet when it comes to being prepared for the end, how many of us can say we truly prepared.

Jesus told us to remain alert.

Mark 13:32-37 (NET) - “But as for that day or hour no one knows it—neither the angels in heaven, nor the Son—except the Father. Watch out! Stay alert! For you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey. He left his house and put his slaves in charge, assigning to each his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to stay alert. Stay alert, then, because you do not know when the owner of the house will return—whether during evening, at midnight, when the rooster crows, or at dawn— or else he might find you asleep when he returns suddenly. What I say to you I say to everyone: Stay alert!”

Am I trying to raise fear?

No.

But I do have one question.

Do you suppose there will be lines of cars trying to get into churches for the next service?

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, September 8, 2017.

I’ll be back here on Friday, September 15, 2017

An Open Letter to Fathers

Fathers:

Some of you know me quite well.

Some of you know me socially.

Many of you do not know me at all.

Regardless of the nature of our relationship, I know that as fathers you are concerned about your children.

I appreciate your concern especially in these times.

I have no direct experience with the responsibilities that accompany fatherhood.

That said I am well aware that all men, including me, have responsibilities where children are concerned.

Fathers teach their children with words and by example.

I might not teach your children with words, but I hope I can teach them by example.

If we attend the same church, there are things your children will see.

They will see me coming out of my Sunday school class.

They will see me at Vacation Bible School serving in some way.

They will see me participating in Christmas programs and attending rehearsals.

They will see me helping out during church in one capacity or another.

There are also some things neither you nor they ever see.

You will never see the hours I spend in committee meetings which help direct the course of their education.

You will never see me when I come in on the occasional Saturday to set up and test equipment for their use in Sunday school.

You will never see the hours of preparation and research that go into my ministries.

Some of you do not attend my church.

In fact, many of you do not know me at all.

My responsibility to your children is equally important.

Whenever I am out in public I know that there is always a chance a child might be observing me.

Your child might notice my behavior or interaction with others.

Having been a child myself, I am well aware that children are not fooled by hypocrisy.

If I should speak or behave inappropriately in a public setting, I could potentially damage valuable lessons you are trying to teach them.

I might not be a father but I am a man.

That is a role I take very seriously.

Although I have no children of my own, scripture reminds me how special all children are to the Lord.

Luke 18:16-17 (NET) - But Jesus called for the children, saying, “Let the little children come to me and do not try to stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.”

Because all children are special to Him, they are special to me.

That includes your children.

No matter how well you know me, I want to be the kind of male role model for your children that other men were for me.

As fathers, you are concerned about your children.

That goes with the territory.

I appreciate that concern.

When Father’s Day comes on Sunday your children might give you a gift to express their love for you.

There is nothing I can give you that can equal that.

What I hope I have given you is one less thing to worry about.

I wish you a happy and blessed Father’s Day.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

Look for me at http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com/ on Friday, June 24, 2016.

I’ll be back here on Friday, July 1, 2016

An Imaginary Conversation with My Father

Psalm 103:13 (NET) - As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on his faithful followers.

Sunday is Father’s Day.

I wondered what it might be like if I could but sit down with my father once more and seek his wisdom.

My father was born almost a hundred years ago.

He died several decades ago while he was still a relatively young man.

I thought about how much things have changed since he was born.

I also thought about how much things have changed since he died.

Although some of the changes were beneficial a great may were not.

I tried to imagine what advice he might give me concerning today’s problems.

I began by remembering him the way he was the last time I saw him.

I have now reached the age my father was when he died

So, that is how I pictured us; two men of identical age but from different eras.

I imagined us seated side by side as I told him of the problems of today.

I imagined him listening to every word before he would impart his fatherly wisdom.

I told him about corruption in government.

I told him about the amount of dishonesty in business.

I told him about the persecution that still goes on in the world.

I told him about the hatred some clung to rather than embracing love.

I told him about how some chose to hold onto old grudges rather than forgive.

I told him how some people preferred to live in in ignorance and confusion rather than seeking the truth.

I told him how that same truth was often repressed once it was discovered.

I told him about greed and injustice.

I told him all these things and more.

Then, I imagined myself waiting expectantly for some pearl of wisdom that would help me cope with today’s reality.

I also imagined that my father had no immediate reply.

I then added, “One more thing, Dad. The world seems to have less faith in God with every passing day.”

At that I pictured my father smiling.

I imagined him speaking to me as he did my in childhood.

I envisioned him placing his hand on my shoulder as he said, “Son, that is exactly why the world has these problems.”

Proverbs 22:6 (NET) - Train a child in the way that he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com

Fear Not

The other day I had some work done on my car.

There was a great deal of work needed and I knew repairs would take the entire day.

Knowing this, I brought along both a book to read and a notebook in which I could write.

I am glad that I did.

There was a television in their waiting area but it was tuned into one of those 24 hour news channels.

The last thing I wanted was to be exposed to bad news all day long.

I found a seat in the lobby and alternated between reading and writing.

Although I could see the television from my seat I was far enough away that I could not hear it.

Every time I glanced at the television, I could tell from the graphics that the news anchors were talking about Ebola.

When I no longer felt like reading or writing, I gathered my things and went for a walk.

It was a beautiful day.

The sun was shining.

The birds were singing.

I almost hated to go back inside.

Eventually, I made my way back inside and glanced at the television before opening my book again.

Just as I had suspected, two different news anchors had come into the studio and were talking about the same thing.

I gladly returned to my book.

I certainly do not wish to minimize the severity or the risk of contracting Ebola.

I will certainly not deny that the first person to die of it in my country did so mere hours away.

As I glanced today's headlines, it became easy to see that the levels of fear and anxiety are continuing to rise.

This is most unfortunate.

That is why I am so glad to be a Christian.

Compassion and reason should never allow fear and anxiety to get the upper hand.

As time goes by we will learn more and better understand how this disease is transmitted.

As we do, we must take all necessary precautions in the treatment of its victims.

In the time that Jesus walked the earth a different disease brought about fear and anxiety.

That disease was leprosy.

Victims of this disease were greatly feared and treated as outcasts.

Jesus showed them love and compassion.

Jesus healed with a word or a touch.

Although it is not within our capacity to heal in this way, we can follow His example.

We must never allow fear and anxiety to push aside our love and compassion for those in need.

Psalm 23:4 (NET) – Even when I must walk through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff reassure me.

Blessings,

Jim Pokorny

The Other Brother Jim

http://otherbrotherjim.blogspot.com

Cheer Up!

Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
(Matthew 14:27, Mark 6:50)

Lately I've been rethinking my long-time penchant for following current events. News sources are overflowing with stories about the most unspeakable depravities, corruption, wars and crises, natural disasters, poverty, rampant disease, and so on. This is even reputed to be the year (supposedly according to ancient Mayans) that the world comes to an end. Even here in America we're confronted with widespread unemployment, political strife, social unrest, crime, and declining health.  How could anyone smile or be hopeful in the midst of all this?

Since my youth I've had a pessimistic streak, and long indulged the idea that if I always expected the worst, at least I would rarely be disappointed. Only in recent years, as the Lord has helped me mend certain of my ways and dispelled much of the darkness obscuring my vision, has this started to change.  Then I heard a talk in church last week that summed up what's been emerging in my mind. The theme: it's impossible (or should be) for a Christian to be a pessimist!

Being caught (for the time being) in this mortal world and its darkness, we tend to worry and fear the worst. That's as Satan wants it, for people who are fearful naturally put self above others and even above God. The only weapons we have to fight back with are a steady faith and constant prayer, which will ever remind us that God's perfect love "casteth out fear" (1 John 4:18).  That love works through us toward others, and dissolves the walls that fear erects between us. Thus, "we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." (Hebrews 13:6)

The word "gospel" means "good news," and Scripture is replete with messages of hope and assurance--especially that Christ died to save us from our sins, that He lives now and forever, and that if we believe on Him we will be saved in the end, for all eternity, with Him in a Heaven infinitely removed from the troubles of this world. "These things I have spoken unto you," says the Lord, "that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)  His will is that "the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. (Romans 15:13)

Saint Josemaría Escrivá wrote:

Christian optimism is not a sugary optimism; nor is it a mere human confidence that everything will turn out all right. It is an optimism that sinks its roots in an awareness of our freedom, and in the sure knowledge of the power of grace. It is an optimism which leads us to make demands on ourselves, to struggle to respond at every moment to God's calls.

As has often been observed, the Christian life is not a pleasure cruise--challenges and struggles still abound, including those within ourselves. However, we can and should be optimistic because our faith and God's grace give us the power to confront and overcome any challenge we may encounter. From time to time God may give us more than we think we can handle, but never more than we can deal with relying on His help. "With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26)

So, as the Bible says, "Be of good cheer!"  Holding fast to the Lord's hand we have and will overcome the world, and have nothing to fear.

Tom Fleming

Songs of Praises