Optimism Amid Adversities

"Do not show yourself heated up because of the evildoers," King David declared.   "Do not be envious of those doing unrighteousness."  (Psalm 37:1)  That is, indeed, wise counsel, to today injustice and crookedness are all around us. -Ecclesiastes 8:11. 

Even if we do not envy the unrighteous, however, it is easy to feel frustrated when we see innocent people suffer at the hands of the wicked or when we ourselves are being dealt with unjustly. Such experiences may even cause us to develop a despondent or pessimistic attitude. When we feel that way, what should we do?  First, we can keep in mind that the wicked cannot complacently assume that retribution will never come.  Psalm 37 goes on to assure us in verse 2:  "Like grass they [evildoers] will speedily wither, and like green new grass they will fade away." 

In addition, we can continue to do what is good, remain optimistic, and wait upon  Jehovah. "Turn away from what is bad and do what is good, and so reside to time indefinite," continued the psalmist.  "For Jehovah is a lover of justice, and he will not leave his loyal ones." -Psalm 37:27, 28. 

Next time: True Optimism Prevails!

From the Watchtower magazine, 1998