PESSIMISM
Genesis 43:15-16, 18
"So the men took that present and Benjamin, and they took double money in their hand, and arose and went down to Egypt; and they stood before Joseph. When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, 'Take these men to my home, and slaughter an animal and make ready; for these men will dine with me at noon.'....Now the men were afraid because they were brought in Joseph's house; and they said, 'It is because of the money, which was returned in our sacks the first time, that we are brought in, so that he may make a case against us and seize us, to take us a slaves with our donkeys.' "
While Joseph was preparing a feast for them, the brothers were imagining the worst, perhaps because of their own guilty consciences. Pessimists see a dark lining in every silver cloud. When as a student, I was called into the principal's office, I always went with fear because I knew I would be chastised for some wrong I had done, but often it was to tell me a good thing. I still tend to be a pessimist, imagining the worst in a situation. But that is not faith. God has good things prepared for those who love Him (Psalm 84:11). His plans for me are to give me a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). I can trust Jesus.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Fear and pessimism are not faith in the goodness of God.
[end]
Have an optimistic day. Love you.
Genesis 43:15-16, 18
"So the men took that present and Benjamin, and they took double money in their hand, and arose and went down to Egypt; and they stood before Joseph. When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, 'Take these men to my home, and slaughter an animal and make ready; for these men will dine with me at noon.'....Now the men were afraid because they were brought in Joseph's house; and they said, 'It is because of the money, which was returned in our sacks the first time, that we are brought in, so that he may make a case against us and seize us, to take us a slaves with our donkeys.' "
While Joseph was preparing a feast for them, the brothers were imagining the worst, perhaps because of their own guilty consciences. Pessimists see a dark lining in every silver cloud. When as a student, I was called into the principal's office, I always went with fear because I knew I would be chastised for some wrong I had done, but often it was to tell me a good thing. I still tend to be a pessimist, imagining the worst in a situation. But that is not faith. God has good things prepared for those who love Him (Psalm 84:11). His plans for me are to give me a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). I can trust Jesus.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: Fear and pessimism are not faith in the goodness of God.
[end]
Have an optimistic day. Love you.
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