1. Looking on The Bright Side Acts 16:19-26

2. Circumstances Not good! Beaten and imprisoned Bad conditions

3. What to Do? Become pessimistic? Wallow in self-pity? Become optimistic, pray,and sing?

4. Turned to Optimism Easy to be pessimistic Little girl looked at a mule ….said he must be a Christian When asked why, she replied, “He has such a long and sad face.”

5. Optimism of Paul and Silas Notice Dreadful circumstances God’s protection (Deuteronomy 33:29) Should be cheerful and optimistic (Psalm 146:1-10)

6. Optimism Through Faith God will provide Abraham (Genesis 22:8) Us (Matthew 6:25-33) Should be happiest people

7. Counted Their Blessings No room for pessimism God’s care (Psalm 8:3-5) Generous (Psalm 68:19)

8. Counted Their Blessings Optimists count; pessimists discount “Name them one by one” Jacob knew (Psalm 33:5) Urged Esau to take the gift (Genesis 33:11)

9. Counted Their Blessings Blessed materially and spiritually Forgiveness of sins (Romans 4:7) Blessed by hearing (Luke 11:28)

10. Cast Their Care on The Lord Optimistic in the midst of trials? Troubled, distressed, down, etc. Swallowed up in pity, or choose another course (1 Peter 5:7)

11. Cast Their Care on The Lord Exchange our cares for “songs in the night” Most would rather complain (Job 35:10) Repent and be filled with laughter (Job 8:21) The Lord takes pleasure in His people (Psalm 149:4, 5)

12. Cast Their Care on The Lord Negativity is self-defeating Often fulfill our fears Evil spies (Numbers 13:27-33) Be optimistic (Philippians 4:6-8)

13. Be of Good Cheer Jesus’ words to sick and fearful Woman (John 9:2) Woman ill for 9 years (Matthew 9:22) Disciples (Matthew 14:27)

14. Be of Good Cheer Message to us Apostles (John 16:33) In good times and bad times

15. Be of Good Cheer Physical benefits Medical studies Bible (Proverbs 17:22)

16. Allowed Hope to Sustain Them Should look on the bright side Abraham (Genesis 22) He had hope (Romans 4:17-22) Three Hebrews (Daniel 3:16-18)

17. Allowed Hope to Sustain Them Examples are numerous Gladness (Proverbs 10:28) Joy (Romans 15:13)

18. Allowed Hope to Sustain Them How real is your hope? Might be the problem Hope gives us confidence (Hebrews 3:6)

19. Conclusion Optimistic about life? Standing with God?