There’s a lot happening in the world right now that can make you feel gloomy and afraid.
And I must confess–I have my own moments of short-term pessimism.
But I believe our prevailing disposition must be one of optimism.
This isn’t because of any trend, news, or election.
Nor is it due to any hunch or feeling.
The case for optimism is more transcendent than any of these things.
It’s rooted in the truth there is a sovereign God who is redeeming all of creation and is at work in all things to advance His kingdom throughout history.
Jesus was explicit about the presence of God’s kingdom on earth in His very first sermon when He preached, “Repent, the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Mt. 3:2).
Since then, the kingdom has slowly but surely been on the increase.
The Bible describes its growth like a seed that becomes a tree and yeast that transforms dough into a loaf of bread (Mt. 13:31-33).
This calls for an outlook marked by patient gradualism…
And an understanding that there will be tares to contend with until God’s final harvest.
Do not despise the day of small of small beginnings (Zech. 4:10).
The Lord has already given His Son the nations as an inheritance (Ps. 2:8).
And He has called us to play our part in discipling these nations (Mt. 28:18-20).
You can’t fulfill your role if you’re living under a cloud of gloom.
But you can if you’re confident in the future and hope God has promised.
“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever” (Rev. 11:15).
