From Guest Blogger Kathleen Lane:
Remember Eeyore, Winnie the Pooh’s
friend in the A.A. Milne books? He is a rather melancholy character, one who
sees the glass half empty rather than half full. His favorite food is thistles
and the sign at his house says “Eeyore’s Gloomy Place.” Here’s a sample of
Eeyore’s viewpoint:Winnie: Good morning!
Eeyore: If it is a good morning, which I doubt.
Winnie: Lovely day, isn’t it?
Eeyore: Wish I could say “yes.”
“Be joyful in hope,” Paul urges us. In other words, don’t be an Eeyore!
A Christian is an optimist. We are called to an uncommon life where, because of the victory already won by Christ, we can be joyful in hope. There really are no hopeless situations for us. This doesn’t mean that Christian don’t have troubles or that we should deny having troubles. In fact, Jesus assured us that we would have trouble in this world (John 16:33). It does mean that we can be sure that because God is God, the best is yet to be. That is hope.
Because of hope we can be patient in affliction, knowing that God’s grace is sufficient and that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. We know that nothing can separate us from God and His love (Romans 8:38-39). “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31) That is hope.
Having the sure hope of God’s
presence, now and forever, brings joy. Not that we must always have a sunny
disposition, but we can always have the quiet joy of knowing that God has
filled us, not just half full, but overflowing with His grace and love. As He
fills us we are transformed to share our joy and hope with the Eeyores of the
world.In what specific situation has your faith in Christ given you hope?
With whom can you share some joyful hope today?
Prayer: God of hope, fill us with joy and peace as we trust in You. Enable us to share our sure hope in Christ with the world. Amen.
#Uncommon
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