10月4日

標　　題：屬靈的樂觀

經　　節：大衛對非利士人說：「你來攻擊我，是靠著刀槍和銅戟；我來攻擊你，是靠著萬軍之耶和華的名，就是你所怒駡帶領以色列軍隊的神。今日耶和華必將你交在我手裡。」（撒母耳記上十七章45∼46節上）

大衛肯定是個樂觀主義者！不管自己的環境如何，他總是看到神的作為！悲觀主義者則是專注於問題，陷入苦思事情不得成功的原因。當樂觀者看到那些相同的問題時，他們以神同在的角度來看這些問題。

當大衛遇見歌利亞時，他只是個年輕的孩子，而歌利亞是作戰經驗豐富的戰士，甚至連最勇敢的以色列軍人都懼怕他。當大衛預備這場戰役，他看到歌利亞是個巨人。他聽到歌利亞狂妄自誇及奚落的罵陣，他不能不注意到敵人的武器：一把刀、一個盾牌和一把標槍。大衛並非毫無準備地闖進戰場，他準備了五顆光滑的石子作武器，預備以發射五顆石子的機會，讓神賜給他勝利。大衛準備好迎接神的勝利，不管這是一場輕鬆的仗，或是難纏的戰役。

樂觀的人不會忽略事情的困難，他們敏銳地察覺這些困難。然而，確知神同在阻止他們灰心喪膽。我們不可能擁有神的同在，又同時作個悲觀主義者！

大衛與歌利亞的事件，生動地描述出基督徒信心的源頭──不是靠我們的才幹、力量或智謀，乃是靠大能神的能力。如果專注在自己的對手和眼前苦惱的問題，它們看起來似乎會很龐大。但當我們專注在神的身上，將會以合宜的角度來看自己的處境，並且肯定在神凡事都能（腓立比書四：13）。

Spiritual Optimism

Then David said to the Philistine, "You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand.'' (1 Samuel 17:45-46a)

David was certainly an optimist! Regardless of his circumstances, David could always see God’s activity! A pessimist focuses on the problems, concentrating on the reasons why something cannot be done. The optimist sees those same problems, but he sees them from the perspective of God’s presence.

David was just a young boy when he faced Goliath, an intimidating veteran warrior who frightened even the bravest Israelite soldier. As he prepared for battle, David saw that Goliath was a giant. He heard his boastful taunts. He could not fail to notice his enemy’s weapons: a sword, a shield, and a javelin. David did not barge into the battle unprepared for a fight. He armed himself with five smooth stones. David was prepared for God to grant him victory with the first stone he hurled at the giant or the fifth. David was ready to accept God’s victory, whether it came easily or with much effort.

Optimists do not ignore the difficulties, they are keenly aware of them. But the knowledge of God’s presence prevents them from becoming discouraged or giving up. It is impossible to stand in the presence of God and be a pessimist!

The account of David and Goliath vividly pictures the source of the Christian’s faith—not our own size, strength, or resources, but the power of almighty God. If we focus on our opposition and problems, they will seem gigantic. But as we focus on God, we will see our situation in the proper perspective and be assured that all things are possible with God (Phil. 4:13).