I am sure that at some point in your life you have been asked how you view a half filled glass… do you see it as a glass half empty or a glass half full? Your answer of course indicates whether you are an optimistic or pessimist.

Last week we started a new sermon series entitled: Optimism in the Midst of the Crazy! These are crazy times and being pessimistic about the future can happen without thinking. So let’s think about it together!

I was reminded of an old story about a shoe salesman who was sent overseas to a remote country. When he arrived, he was disheartened to see that everyone went around barefooted. He wired (back in the days of telegrams… sorry Millennials you will need to Google it) the company back home: “No prospect for sales here. People don’t wear shoes.” Later another salesman went to the same area. He too immediately sent word to the home office, but his telegram read, “Great potential! People don’t wear shoes here!”

Same event viewed entirely differently.

If you are one of those people who can smile at the prospect of selling shoes to people who are familiar with going barefoot then I am likely not going to say anything you don’t already know.

However, given the times we find ourselves in, I imagine even the optimists among us are struggling and the pessimists are a bit more pessimistic than usual. That’s why Philippians 4:8 is so powerful. At a time when it is so easy for us to get caught up in the negative, this scripture speaks to all of us.

In beginning of Philippians 4 the Apostle Paul appeals to the Philippin Christians regarding how they handle disagreements within the church. Paul is particularly concerned with an argument between two women, Euodia and Syntyche. Paul's advice is to focus on our ability to rejoice in our fellowship with Christ. Paul says that with a proper focus on positive things, we can experience peace through the power of God.

The Apostle Paul says to them and us, to keep our minds on:

whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.

And I love verse 9: And the God of peace will be with you.

What a great reminder for each of us… whether our glass is half empty or half full… we will find peace when we focus on the things of God. If we do, I believe our glass will be full to overflowing!

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