Accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative, advises a classic song. The Power of Positive Thinking has been a best selling book for decades. And on Broadway we hear “Always look on the bright side of life.” This tendency to have a rosy view of the world is not a Biblical motif. The Book of Ecclesiastes is an end of the spectrum in its cynicism but it reflects a common scriptural theme that difficulties lie ahead for us. Jesus prepares his disciples for the suffering that lies ahead just as they are starting to enjoy the success of the Jesus’ ministry. In our spiritual life we should be prepared to receive both good times and bad as opportunities to find the presence of God in all things.
