How to be optimistic in a topsy-turvy world

Have you noticed how loud negativity has become lately? Turn on the news—wars, division, outrage, fear. Scroll social media—criticism and anger. It’s exhausting. But as followers of Christ, we don’t have to drown in the noise of negativity. We are called to something higher—hope.

Biblical optimism isn’t pretending everything is fine or ignoring reality. It’s not blind positivity. True optimism is the unwavering belief that our loving God is working in every situation for our future good (Romans 8:28). That means even when life feels heavy—sickness, strained relationships, financial pressure—God is still at work behind the scenes. Nothing is wasted in His hands.

The battle for optimism begins in the mind. Proverbs 23:7 reminds us: “As a person thinks in their heart, so they become.” If our thoughts are filled with fear and worry, our lives will follow. But if we choose to anchor our minds in God’s promises, hope begins to rise.

So how do we stay optimistic in a world gone sideways?

1. Feed Your Faith

Don’t just read scripture—live in it. Let it reshape the way you think. Like Paul in Romans 8, remind yourself:

• “There is now no condemnation for those in Christ.”

• “Our present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory to come.”

• “The Spirit helps us in our weakness.”

• “God works all things together for good.”

2. Starve Negativity

Limit the endless news cycle. Step back from toxic voices. Refuse to dwell on worst-case scenarios. Whatever we feed grows—so feed hope.

3. Trust God’s Purpose in Your Pain

You may not like what you’re going through right now—but God is using it to grow you. Today’s struggle is building tomorrow’s strength. Nothing is wasted in the hands of God.

I’m optimistic—not because the world is perfect, but because God is still on the throne. God hasn’t abandoned us. God is working—right now—for your good and His glory.

In a topsy-turvy world, we don’t panic—we trust. We hold onto hope. We choose joy. We walk by faith, not fear. Because we have a BIG God—and with God, all things are possible.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.” – Romans 8:28

Stay hopeful. God is working.

What if you knew then what you know now?

Ever look back at old pictures and think, “Why on earth did I choose that hairstyle?” (Perms, anyone?) Or maybe you’ve thought, “If only I had invested in Apple back in the ’80s, I’d be retired on a beach by now.”

Hindsight is always 20/20, isn’t it? If we knew then what we know now, we’d probably make a lot of different choices.

But here’s the amazing thing: Jesus actually gives us insider information about the future. In Matthew 25, He tells the story of the master who entrusts his servants with talents (money, gifts, abilities) before heading off on a journey. Some invest wisely and see it multiply. One hides his talent out of fear and ends up losing everything.

The lesson? God gives us everything we have—time, resources, abilities—and asks us to steward them well. Not just for today, but for eternity.

Here’s the kicker: how we live now impacts what happens then. Jesus is basically saying, “I’m giving you the blueprint for heaven’s economy.”

So how do we live with that kind of eternal focus?

1. Remember God owns it all. Your money, your gifts, your time—it’s all on loan from God.

2. You’ll give an account. Not to a harsh judge, but to a loving Father who’s cheering you on, longing to say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”

3. Choose to invest, not just spend. Netflix binging is fine now and then, but mentoring someone? Praying for your kids? Serving others? That’s investing—and the return lasts forever.

At the end of the day, the stuff we obsess over—our shoes, our cars, our gadgets—won’t carry over into eternity. But the people we love, serve, and point to Jesus? That’s eternal treasure.

So maybe the better question isn’t “What if I knew then what I know now?” but “What am I doing now, knowing what I know about then?”

Live open-handed. Invest your life. Run your race well. And one day, imagine hearing God say, “I’m so proud of you. Come and share my joy.”

It’s Postseason Time: Faith, Hope, and the Toronto Blue Jays

If you’re a Toronto Blue Jays fan, you know what October means — it’s heart-in-your-throat, rally-towel-waving, seventh-inning-stretch kind of baseball! The postseason is here. The crowds are loud, the bats are ready, and every pitch feels like it could change the season.

There’s something beautiful about playoff baseball — the hope, the waiting, the tension, the sheer joy when your team pulls through in the clutch. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the greatest victories come after the longest seasons.

That sounds a lot like faith, doesn’t it?

In Hebrews 12:1–2, we’re told:

“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”

Or, in Blue Jays terms: keep your eye on the ball.

Just like the Jays have had to stay focused through the highs and lows of a long season — the slumps, the injuries, the comeback wins — our spiritual lives are full of innings where we’re called to persevere. Some days we’re hitting home runs, and other days… well, we’re striking out and wondering if we’ll ever get another chance at the plate.

But here’s the good news: in God’s game plan, no inning is ever wasted.

Even when it feels like the season is long or the score is against us, God is still coaching from the dugout — guiding, teaching, and preparing us for what’s next. Romans 8:28 reminds us that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” That means even the losses can turn into lessons, and the setbacks can set us up for something greater.

So whether the Jays go all the way or bow out early, we can still cheer with hope — because hope isn’t about the outcome, it’s about the journey. It’s about staying faithful through every inning, trusting that God’s timing is perfect, and celebrating the moments that remind us we’re part of something bigger.

And who knows? Maybe this is the year the Blue Jays fly high again. But even if it isn’t, our faith reminds us that victory isn’t just found on the scoreboard — it’s found in the steadfastness of our hearts.

So grab your glove, your rally cap, and maybe a hotdog or two — and let’s play ball, trusting the One who never calls us out but always calls us forward.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” — Colossians 3:23

Because whether we win or lose, we’re playing for something eternal.

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Note: At the time of posting the Blue Jays are about to face the NY Yankees in game 4 of the ADLS. Go Jays Go!