Corrosive Pessimism

I heard a very interesting discussion lately on negativity and how we as people tend to see negative things more readily than we do positive things. The point was being made that throughout history, pessimists were more likely to survive longer than optimists, meaning that "pessimistic genes" were more likely to be passed on to future generations.

The example was given of two people observing a rustling bush and the pessimist says, “I don’t want to see what is in there. It’s probably bad.” The other, an optimist, says, “It’s probably nothing! I’m going to check it out!” The story ends with the optimist sticking his hand in the bush and dying of a snake bite and the pessimist lives on.

While being distrustful, pessimistic, and negative tends to preserve us in the short term, it is not a joyful or peaceful existence.

I see this in people who have been hurt by a friend, significant other, or family member and they refuse to trust anyone again in an effort to avoid the pain of another heartbreak. It is easy to be negative and keep others away. It is difficult to remain hopeful and serve our brothers and sisters. In the midst of all the negativity that may be present in our communities, families, or even the news, we must continually cultivate a heart of gratitude, hope, and perseverance.

If we continue to let our negativity and pessimism dominate, which are brought on by our fallen nature and brokenness, we will experience nothing but depression, loneliness, and despair.

This week, consider praying for a renewed heart of hope and perseverance to guard against the pessimism and negativity that can come so naturally.