How to Have Dynamic Optimism
Part Two
August 30, 2026
Now, over the last couple of weeks, I have noted that Dynamic Optimism speaks of faith, trust and hope. When one has dynamic optimism, there is joy and peace. You speak words that are positive, not negative. You can process the trials of life. One has meaning and purpose in life!
However, if we allow this sick, sinful, death stinking, Satan influenced world to influence us, then there is an absence of dynamic optimism. There is disobedience, discouragement, despair, unhappiness, restlessness, a give-up attitude or a settling for mediocrity.
Last week, we began how one can have dynamic optimism. We noted that first, if you are going to have a dynamically optimistic life, one needs to be totally convinced/have confidence that God exists and Jesus is Lord (Hebrews 11:1).
Secondly, if you are going to have dynamic optimism, then wholeheartedly believe in God and Jesus. Know Him!! Make a wholehearted commitment of your heart, your mind, and your will to the Lord Jesus Christ! This morning I want to continue noting several key principles on how to have an abundant, dynamic optimistic life.
Now, when one wholeheartedly believes in Jesus, holds to the facts/the promises of the Lord, God’s Holy Spirit begins to work in one’s life. A true believer receives the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38, 39). Romans 5:5 states, And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. As a result, our life begins to change!
Here is the third principle to have a dynamic optimistic life. Walk in the Spirit!!!
To walk by the Spirit means abiding in Christ, doing His will not self-will. It is trusting and obeying!
Galatians 5:16 and following states, So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Our sinful nature, the desires of the flesh, our selfish desires hinder us from having a dynamic optimistic life. Often, we think having our own way will make us happier and more fulfilled. Instead of doing what the Lord would want, we do our own thing. Now, satisfying self-will, not God’s will, might make one happier for a period, but it does not last.
Paul goes on in Galatians 5 noting various types of sin that will cause a person not to inherit the kingdom of God. Then he notes the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Then he writes in verses 24, 25, Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
If we are going to walk by the Spirit, then one needs to crucify the flesh with its passions and desires. In Romans 8, the Apostle Paul explains to a great extent how to walk in the Spirit. Romans 8:1, Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For those who are in Christ Jesus, there is no condemnation. He has declared those in Christ not guilty. Knowing we are forgiven, not guilty before a Holy God, is a great reason to be dynamically optimistic.
There's only one condition for you to meet: to be in Christ. Paul says in verse 5 that those who live according to the flesh have their minds on what the flesh desires. In contrast those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds on what the Spirit desires. Paul notes the result of each as he says in Romans 8:6, 7 The mind governed by the flesh is death. Verses 7, 8 note this type of person is hostile, does not submit and cannot please God. However, the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.
What we think about will reflect if you are in Christ/live in the Spirit or in the flesh. Our mind plays a critical role in walking in the Spirit.
Romans 12:2 also emphasize this point. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
As we are transformed by the renewing of our mind, we grasp what God desires and we are motivated to do His will, not self-will. So, we need to find our mind on God’s word! The idea of being filled with the Spirit is having the word of Christ dwell in you richly! (Please note Ephesians 5:18-20 to Colossians 3:16, 17).
Oh, how we need to feed our mind on God’s word. This is the primary way the Holy Spirit influences us. Our sinful nature/self-will runs really deep. Often, we don’t even realize our sinfulness/weaknesses. Oh, how we need God’s Holy Spirit influencing us to overcome our sinful nature and our emotions such as fear, anger, bitterness, a critical spirit, pride, jealousy, lack of self-control, anxiety, insecurity, stubbornness, laziness, manipulative, sadness and various other issues. Studying, meditating on God’s word and taking to heart his promises can powerfully renew your mind and produce the fruit of the Spirit!
I had experienced God’s Holy Spirit in a powerful way when I was a teen. God worked in my life. Yet, it was not until I was told by a professional counselor that I shouldn’t go into the ministry that I began to really pursue and understand the depth of my sinfulness. Issues like spiritual pride, anger and stubbornness ran deep! Then I learned about my temperament and learned particularly from a book, Why You Act the Way You Do by Tim LaHaye that I needed the Holy Spirit’s help to overcome and produce love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
God has given us his Holy Spirit. He has provided His Spirit so we can live above the circumstances of life. You and I can live a life of dynamic optimism.
Commercial: If you want to grow and learn more how to walk in the Spirit and produce the fruit of the Spirit, then I encourage you to come to Sunday School as we are doing a study by Beth Moore entitled, Living Beyond Yourself: Exploring the Fruit of the Spirit.
Here is a fourth characteristic on how to live a dynamically optimistic life. Put on the full armor of God!
Ephesians 6:10-13 states, Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.
Satan is out to destroy you (John 10:10a). He will plant doubts and lies (Genesis 3). Satan is doing everything he can to employ the Kryptonite power of unbelief against each one of us. Satan’s trying to weaken and destroy our faith and through us, the faith of others.
He will try to take you down through pride (I Peter 5:6-8). So, Satan will spend a lot of time trying to convince you of the fact that “self” is king. Our culture, so many people, have bought into this lie as humanism is so prevalent. It is the perspective it is what I want.
He will try to cripple your faith through fear and anxiety (II Corinthians 4:8, 9).
He will try to sidetrack you with worldly things. (1John 2:15-16)
Since He is the accuser, he will try to instill guilt, shame, and fear, often twisting what is true (John 8:44; Revelation 12:10).
He will try to cause disunity among Christians (Matthew 13:38,39; II Corinthians 11:13-15).
He will prompt people to persecute you for your faith (Matthew 5:10-12; John 15:18-20).
Satan tempts us to be disobedient, have discouragement, distractions, doubts, and divisions.
I Peter 5:8 states, Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. We are called to resist Him and stand firm. So, it is important to know and wear the armor of God.
Now very briefly let me note the various pieces of armor. Ephesians 6:14 notes that you need to put on the belt of truth buckled around your waist. This indicates a readiness for battle having the truth. The battle is over TRUTH! We need to know the truth is found in Jesus. As he said, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6).
We also need to put on the breastplate of righteousness means being right with God and imitating the righteous character of Jesus. We are to pursue Christlike holiness and Christian purity.
Now there are going to be times we fail/grieve the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). Yet, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness (I John 1:9). (Also note Psalm 51 as David grieved the Spirit, but he pleaded for forgiveness).
Verse 15 notes that we are to put on the gospel of peace. The gospel of peace refers to the message of salvation through Jesus Christ that gives believers a firm, stable foundation. As AI states, The gospel is called “of peace” because it proclaims peace with God through Christ (Romans 5:1). It brings inner peace, reconciles people to God, and fosters peaceable character. It contrasts with the world’s chaos and provides stability for the believer.
Verse 16 states, In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. This shield of faith is having a confidence and trust in God, which allows us to repel the attacks of the devil. It is having faith that God is in control. The Bible teaches that God is actively involved in this world and has a purpose for everything that occurs. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” He will ultimately work good (Romans 5:3-5; I Peter 1:6, 7).
Verse 17 notes the helmet of salvation. This symbolizes the believer’s assurance of salvation through Christ, protecting the mind against doubt, fear, and spiritual attack. We can take to heart Romans 8:35-37 as the Apostle Paul makes the point that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ and gives several examples. Then verse 37 states, Knowing all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. More than conquerors literally in Greek is super conquerors. God makes us super conquerors. In life, you will be a victor or a victim. You will be swallowed up by your circumstances, or you will overcome your circumstances. Remember it is Christ's victory that enables us to be victorious.
Verse 17 also notes the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. The Word of God is a divinely inspired, living, and active weapon (Hebrews 4:12) used in finding encouragement for numerous challenges of life, to correct and rebuke false teaching, to deal with temptation like Jesus quoted Old Testament Scripture when he was tempted in the desert.
I have found repeatedly that if I apply the principles of God’s word, I have a peace and God blesses! God’s word has directed me in so many ways over the decades! For instance, God’s word has taught me how to be a good husband, to be an effective dad, to deal with money, and now teaching me about how to handle getting old.
There have also been times God’s word has warned me. For instance, when I was in college, not married, I worked at a golf course during the summer doing janitorial work and helping with banquets. This cute bartender wanted me to come to her house to do some work with extracurricular benefits. Proverbs 6 and 7 came to my mind as 7:24-26 states, Now therefore, my sons, listen to me, and pay attention to the words of my mouth. 25 Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways. Do not stray into her paths. 26 For many are the victims she has brought to ruin, and numerous are all those slaughtered by her. 27 Her house is the way to hell, descending to the chambers of death.
Then Ephesians 6:18 states, And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. This is a major key to putting on the armor of God, standing firm and to having dynamic optimism.
It is so important here is the fifth principle to have dynamic optimism. PRAY!!!!
I Thessalonians 5:17 states, Pray continually. This means to have an ongoing relationship with God. It does not mean one has a formal prayer time or speaking out loud, but it involves a prayerful heart. It is a continual attitude of communication and dependence on Him. It is having an awareness of His presence. In prayer we express our failures, our hopes, our fears, our concerns, asking for his help, his love and power to work in our lives. Prayer also includes listening to Him.
Scripture repeatedly emphasizes the importance of prayer. The Apostle stated in Philippians 4:4-7, Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Research in neuroscience, psychology, and mental health affirms that prayer helps reduce anxiety. Studies have shown that prayer helps restore calm and reduce stress. It helps one’s decision-making. Studies have also shown that prayer improves focus and self-control. It helps to process emotions such as sadness, anger or discouragement. One has fewer depressive symptoms, higher life satisfaction, and better self-esteem. It provides a sense of purpose. Praying for others activates empathy circuits in the brain, fostering compassion and relational concern.
It is not surprising God emphasizes the importance of prayer because it is simply good for us.
Give thanks and praise to the Lord!
I Thessalonians 5:18, Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Gratitude is central to biblical worship as Psalm 100:4 notes, Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
I have found it interesting to learn that research and psychology consistently show that it is not the happy people who are thankful. It is the thankful people who are happy. Many people assume that they must first feel happy to appreciate life, but research suggests the reverse: practicing gratitude actively fosters joy and contentment in daily life. Once again, the Lord knows and instructs what is best for us.
This past week as I was driving to see my cardiologist, a song by Chris Tomlin entitled, Still the King, really touched my heart. My heart needed a little encouragement so I must have played this song at least 10 times on my way back and forth from Westerville.
The song begins with these lyrics.
When I think of the cross, the cross of Christ
Praise begins to rise, praise begins to rise
When I look on the Lamb, the wounded Lamb
My hands will lift to Him, my hands will lift to Him.
On my way to the doctor at a stop and go light, I googled what Scripture said about raising your hands to worship. I found several Scripture references about raising one’s hands in praise. For instance, Psalm 63:4 states, I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name, I will lift up my hands.
Now, I will confess when I was younger, I hesitated in raising my hands to worship. It was not part of the worship tradition. Of course, Scripture states that tradition nullifies the word of God (Mark 7:13). Plus, there was something within me that held back. Like I said earlier, self runs really deep. Today, I rather be obedient to the Lord and worship with all my being.
On the way home from the doctor, these lyrics really caught my attention.
The lyrics that really caught my attention and spoke to my heart was this:
When I think of the tomb, the empty tomb
I'm filled with gratitude, endless gratitude
For He defeated death and He reigns above
No grave could hold His love…
Then I was cut to the heart by the lyrics.
Isn't He worthy of all our worship?
Isn't He worthy of the praises we bring?
How could my heart not sing of all You've done for me?
He has done a lot for me and for each one of us!
This leads me to the last principle. If you are going to have dynamic optimism, then live life with an eternal perspective. Put your mind on things above. Put your hope in the LORD!
Psalm 39 indicates that our life here on earth is just a breath, a short time. Often, people will busy themselves in vain. It might be pursuing riches, power or something else. Yet, since we can’t take it with us, it is critical to put our hope in the Lord (Psalm 39:4-7).
In the sick, sinful, death stinking, Satan influenced world, pessimism and hopeless can loom large. Dwelling on earthly troubles breeds pessimism, but the Bible tells us to set our minds on things above (Colossians 3:2). We need to keep our gaze fixed on the assured hope of eternal life in heaven! As I Corinthians 15:57 states, Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Setting affection on our future empowers us to have endurance and optimism (Hebrews 10:34,35). Keeping eternity in view shrinks current troubles. May we always remember our present sufferings are not worth comparing with our future (Romans 8:18)!!
Now, let me close with this story. Dr. Jamie Aten, a cancer survivor and a Christian who researches how people respond to trauma, wrote in The Washington Post in which he urged trauma survivors to "make meaning of your experience." Here's what Aten wrote: It was difficult for me to wrap my head around what had happened to in getting cancer. Thoughts like, "Wasn't I a good person?" plagued me. During that time, a colleague of mine was deployed to help with a relief agency after Superstorm Sandy. She met a man whose roof had been blown away by a gale, very strong winds. This man surprised the relief team with an optimistic quip: "Sometimes you have to lose the roof," he said, "to see the stars." There is a man who knows how to find meaning in loss. My colleagues and I have interviewed and surveyed disaster survivors about their views of God in the wake of catastrophe. We have found that you can have two people who go through almost identical losses, with one believing God is working, while the other believes God is punishing them. Remember, they went through the same disaster. We found that the person who doesn't find positive meaning is likely to struggle a great deal more. I encourage you: Even in the worst moments, look for the stars!!
