Slime or Smile?

In a recent round of Wordle, I got zero letters right in row one when I tried “ABOUT,” but with the word “SHINE” in row two I got three letters right—and in the right places:  “S _ I _ E.”

What would you guess next?  It has to be a five-letter word with “S” first, “E” last, and “I” in the middle spot.  I tried “SPIKE.”  But both “P” and “K” were wrong.  Next I tried “SLIME,” and I almost hit the jackpot—both “L” and “M” were correct letters but in the wrong places.  Which meant the right word had to be “SMILE.”

This prompts me to ask:  Are you the kind of person who would guess “slime” before “smile,” or “smile” before “slime”? (Perhaps you never expected to be asked such a question!)  Similarly:  Do you see the glass half empty or half full?  Are you a pessimist or an optimist?  Are you like Eeyore or Tigger?

Here’s my answer:  It depends.  If you define optimism as the expectation that circumstances will unfold for you in a way that is consistently pleasant, I’d have to say that’s neither biblical nor realistic.  By contrast, if you define pessimism as the anticipation that things are bound to go badly, again you’re taking an attitude that’s not based on Scripture or experience.

A better outlook would be to rest in the arms of our sovereign God who’s always with us (Hebrews 13:5) and always at work for our good no matter what we’re facing (Romans 8:28).  Yes, the Father may allow us to endure great trials (like Paul’s “thorn in the flesh,” 2 Corinthians 12:7-10), but he does this to undermine our tendency toward pride and boasting:  it’s so much better for us when God’s power is perfectly demonstrated as we trust him in our weakness.  We can be content, then, come what may (v 10).

That’s how faith in Christ works.  No rose colored glasses, but also no downcast spirit.  God is great, good, wise, and powerful, and he holds his children close to his heart.  So trust him, and smile!