Do You Have A Hopeful Attitude?

Our attitude determines the altitude of our character, confidence, and calling in this life.  If we are burdened by negativity and pessimism, we will undoubtedly miss out on the exciting life of faith and the plans that God desires to entrust to us. Conversely, if we reflect Christ's attitude, focus on what is healthy (as the Scriptures declare), and remain hopeful even in hard times, our potential for success and satisfaction can greatly increase.

As a sports fan, there's a cute baseball story that always helps me put hopefulness in perspective:

A man approached a Little League baseball game one afternoon. He asked a boy in the dugout what the score was. The boy responded, "Eighteen to nothing, and we're behind." "Boy," said the spectator, "I'll bet you're discouraged." "Why should I be discouraged?" replied the little boy. "We haven't even gotten up to bat yet!" You have to admire this little leaguer's attitude. Although the boy's team is down nearly eighteen runs in the first inning, he hasn't given up!

This lesson extends beyond sports. In life, there will be times when you feel significantly down. You may face challenges that appear to others as "insurmountable" odds. Before you accept the negative narrative others might tell, remember that you possess a hope that surpasses any difficulties you may encounter. In Psalm 31:24, David said: "So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!"

David made a conscious choice about his attitude. Instead of being defeated by his circumstances, he relied on the hope that comes from the Lord. You can adopt that same outlook. Many view hope as merely wishful thinking—like saying, "I hope something will happen." However, Scripture teaches that hope is a humble yet confident expectation.

Knowing this, remain hopeful that God will make a way and be sure to be where you need to be in your relationship with Him. Then, like our friend, the little league baseball player, you will have a winning attitude, waiting for the comeback to begin. Psalm 62:5 says, "Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him."