One of the most beautiful hymns, in my estimation, is entitled “Blessed Assurance.” There is an incomparable amount of comfort in that hymn, even in the first line. “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine. O what a foretaste of glory divine.” Another hymn that may come to mind, along the same lines, could be “Count your blessings.” Both of these portray abundant reasons why the Christian should be optimistic about his or her future, no matter how the world around us is falling. Things like no more pain and sorrow, or no more sin and hurting. Maybe it is the thought of a glorious spiritual body fit for the heavenly realm. It could be a mansion in the beautiful home of the soul, at the right hand of the Majesty on high. Friends, the only way to be optimistic about the future is to be confident in the things for which you are living. The first key to being optimistic in your future is…There is confidence in God’s reality. The works with which we are surrounded literally number out the glory and the power of the God of heaven (Psalm 19:1). We are able to see the wisdom and the skill used to craft such creation, prompting us to confide in the reality of His presence. The Hebrews writer records the One who built all things was God (Heb. 3:4). If that doesn’t promote optimism in a believer, maybe the next one will. There is confidence in God’s power. Nebuchadnezzar erected an image which was contrary to the will of God. Daniel’s three friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego kept themselves from this idolatry and were brought before the king. They quickly admitted they trusted in the power of the God of heaven because He was able to deliver them (Dan. 3:17-18). Our brother John speaks of the confidence that we have in Him, that is, we can trust in the power of His might (1 John 5:14-15). There is confidence in God’s providence. After ages of preserving Holy Writ, and many generations of faithful delivers, we still see the hand of God in all that we do. God does, and will, always provide for His children if it is in His will to do so (Rom. 8:28; Phil. 4:19). There is confidence in God’s goodness. God is a just, loving Father. Even when we did not love Him, He loved us (Rom. 5:5-8). James gives us some insight on His goodness when he says, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17). Brother Barry Grider once said, James shows the desirability, the capability, and the dependability of God in this one verse. Aren’t we grateful for those qualities? Finally, there is confidence in God’s reward. Paul exhorted the Corinthian brethren to work steadfastly and continuously, and remain faithful because there was a purpose to achieve (1 Cor. 15:58). This reward is achieved through obedient service to the Father. Suffering is inevitable (2 Tim. 3:12), but this light affliction does not compare to the weight of eternal bliss (2 Cor. 4:17). So, truly, there are many reasons to count your blessings and be thankful for that blessed assurance!
Leave a Reply