Tuesday, November 24, 2015

The Optimism of A Worst-Case-Scenario Thinker

I knew a guy who would always assume the worst case scenario was likely to happen when it came to the events of his life. This frustrated me because I thought he was too pessimistic. It seemed like he always had an attitude that threw a wet blanket on things.

But then I came to realize this fellow’s pessimistic worst-case-scenario approach to life was actually a coping mechanism he employed to keep from having his hopes dashed. Think about it: Most of the time something which is not as bad as the worst case scenario will occur. For those expecting the worst this will, therefore, wind up being better than they expected.

This approach would mean he would not have to deal with the kind of disappointment that might have occurred if his hopes were very high. So oddly enough, this worst-case-scenario type of thinking was my friend’s guarded attempt at being optimistic since his thinking typically resulted in outcomes which exceeded his expectations!

…But, to be honest, I still think he was too pessimistic.

Here’s a bit of biblical optimism for those who are trusting in Him: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

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