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Day 26: Pessimism Is a Denial of Faith
Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You acknowledging that at times doubt and pessimism can so easily creep into our minds and hearts. But You call us to have faith – to put our hope, trust and security fully in You. Today we pause to reflect on countering a doubtful spirit with vibrant faith in Your goodness, power and promises.
By Your Spirit, show us where our perspective may be darkened by focusing on circumstances instead of Christ. Renew within us a joyful optimism that comes from truly knowing You. Align our wills to Yours so that difficulty and darkness do not diminish our confidence in who You are.
Strengthen our faith through meditating on Your ever-faithful Word. Deepen our hope by recalling Your mighty acts of salvation throughout history. Give us eyes to see as You see – with eternity’s reality in view rather than a temporary lens of lack.
We ask you would use this time to fortify our trust and lift our expectant eyes to You, our great God and Savior. In Jesus’ strong name we pray, Amen.
Scripture Reading and Reflection
1 Thessalonians 5:8 KJV
But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
Reflection:
As believers whose faith is rooted in the promises and character of an all-powerful God, pessimism has no place in the life of a true Christian. To take a negative or doubtful view denies the core of what faith means – trusting in what we cannot see based solely on God’s revealed Word (Heb 11:1). When we face difficulties, Scripture calls us to confidence in God rather than sinking into despair. As Isaiah 40:31 says, those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. Pessimism saps our vigor by focusing on problems rather than the problem-solver. Romans 15:13 tells us God fills us with hope through faith. But doubt refuses this divine provision by rehearsing reasons for dread over recalling reasons for trust. Faith sees God moving behind the scenes in ways beyond our understanding (Rom 8:28). Even in dire straits, the examples of people of faith like Abraham (Rom 4:18) show us to believe against all human reasoning. Faith spins hope from hopeless scenarios by fixing our gaze on God’s omnipotence rather than issues. Christ has won the ultimate victory, so our security is not in changing conditions but our changeless Savior (1 Cor 15:57). Where pessimism immobilizes, faith mobilizes us to partner with God through obedient prayer and action. May we combat doubt by meditating on God’s reliability revealed in Scriptures. When our hearts are set on Christ, faith alone leaves no space for pessimism to take root. Faith trusts fully in God’s goodness and promises, looking to Him even when all seems lost. But doubt and gloom refuse this reliance on our unchanging Savior. May we deny entry to negative thinking by keeping our eyes steadily on Jesus through studying His faithful Word.Hymn:
Living By Faith
1 I care not today what the morrow may bring, If shadow or sunshine or rain, The Lord I know ruleth o’er everything, And all of my worries are vain.
Refrain: Living by faith in Jesus above, Trusting, confiding in His great love; From all harm safe in His sheltering arm, I’m living by faith and feel no alarm.
2 Though tempests may blow and the storm clouds arise, Obscuring the brightness of life, I’m never alarmed at the overcast skies— The Master looks on at the strife. [Refrain]
3 I know that He safely will carry me through, No matter what evils betide; Why should I then care though the tempest may blow, If Jesus walks close to my side. [Refrain]
4 Our Lord will return for His loved ones some day, Our troubles will then all be o’er; The Master so gently will lead us away, Beyond that blest heavenly shore. [Refrain]
Lyrics: James Wells, (st. 4): R. E. Winsett, Music: J. L. Heath
Creative Activities: 1. Scripture Writing
Write out 1 Thessalonians 5:8 in your best handwriting on the Scripture writing page which you can download below.
Please download the Scripture Writing Page below. It is for personal and educational use (school, homeschooling) as well as for use at church and in ministry only.
Commercial use not allowed.
Download Scripture Writing Page
Creative Activities: 2. Bible Journaling
- Highlight verses about faith overcoming doubt. Note how God strengthened people in trials.
- Underline promises that combat gloom. Write prayers asking God to renew hope.
- Sketch symbols of faith (cross, anchor) next to texts affirming God’s power and love.
- Journal words/images that define who God is to strengthen assurance in His goodness.
- Record prayers, songs, or art expressing dependence on Christ alone for strength.
- Write out persevering through struggles by faith in your own words.
Creative Activities: 3. Doodling
- Abstract designs reflecting trusting in an unseen God through all of life’s twists and turns.
- Nature motifs like blooming flowers or climbing vines symbolic of hope rising up within.
- Biblical passages on faith dancing across the page through your original art.
- Doodled prayers and praises lifted to God from a heart set on Him alone.
- Scenes depicting biblical heroes who strengthened their resolve in God.
Download Doodle Printable
Creative Activities: 4. Journaling
Reflect and Journal:
- How is God nurturing faith in your heart during this season, and what specific steps can you take to resist drifting into negativity or discouragement?
Download Journal Printable
Applying and Taking Action
- What biblical promise will you claim by prayer this week when doubt attacks? Memorize and meditate on it.
- Look for opportunities to encourage others struggling with worry, sharing how God strengthened your faith.
- Ask God to reveal any areas of lingering negativity and exchange them one by one for trust in His goodness.
- Determine one small act of faith you can obey God in through service, generosity, prayer. Record His faithfulness.
- Worship God through song, recounting His mighty acts of salvation and power over all difficulties.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for strengthening our weak faith through focusing our hearts and minds on Your living Word today. Your promises alone have power to defeat doubt and despair. As we step out in obedience to live by faith this week, uphold us with Your Spirit. When worries or troubles arise, prompt us to cling ever more tightly to You, our sure hope and refuge.
Help us speak words and live lives that encourage others’ trusting in You. May Your abiding presence within quell fears and fill us afresh with songs of grateful praise. Keep our eyes looking to Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of the faith.
In His victorious name we pray, asking You would make us more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Amen.
If you have been blessed by this Creative Lent Devotional, please share it with others. Many thanks. God bless you!
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