A familiar question asked to see if a person is an optimist or a pessimist is, “How do you see this half-filled glass of water? Is it half-empty or half-full to you?”
As an overachiever and perfectionist, I saw only half-empty glasses in my life. Even if the level was just below the rim, I felt it was the same as an empty glass. This left me dissatisfied and my heart empty as a result.
Not only would I be upset with myself, I would look at life in a pessimistic and sour way. Even when kind words from others came to me, the glass was still empty. Even with how blessed I was in many ways, with good health, food and shelter, I never felt satisfied. Instead, my mind was focused on the deficits in my life and the abundance others seemed to have.
God fills us to the brim
There are many passages in the Bible that show that God is always an optimist in our lives, and invites us to share in His perspective.
[su_quote cite=”Psalms 118:1″]Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.[/su_quote]
[su_quote cite=”Proverbs 8:30″](Be) filled with delight day after day, rejoicing always in his presence[/su_quote]
[su_quote cite=”Psalms 55:22″]Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.[/su_quote]
[su_quote cite=”Matthew 6:31-34″]So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.[/su_quote]
[su_quote cite=”Romans 8:35-37″]Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? … No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.[/su_quote]
[su_quote cite=”1 Corinthians 15:57″]But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.[/su_quote]
[su_quote cite=”Ephesians 5:19-20″]Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.[/su_quote]
In this holiday season, may your minds, hearts and words have “an attitude of gratitude” as you fill your “cup” with God and the good things He has in store for you.
Christian counselor Dr. Douglas Frey believes in Biblical principles and bringing forth God’s grace in meetings and sessions. Call or email Douglas Frey Ph.D. (952-920-2789) if you or a loved one suffers from depression or other problems. He is a licensed Christian counselor serving individuals and families in Eden Prairie and nearby Chanhassen, Chaska, Shakopee, Minneapolis, Edina, Minnetonka and other Western Suburbs.