Half Full or Half Empty?

By: John Carrigan

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:12-13

Are you a "glass half full" or a "glass half empty" type of person? That comparison normally refers to our outlook and our attitude, describing it as being positive or negative. God is an eternal optimist, and He knows the beginning and ending of every story! With God's help, we can stay optimistic in our most challenging circumstances if we've placed our trust and hope in Him. A long time ago, someone told me to think of my Bible as: “Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth”. If we're honest, many of our problems result from not completely following the instructions in God's manual. For example, if we're always having problems with people, the solution may be within us, not around us. Sometimes, the true heart of a problem is "a problem of the heart."

Sin is pleasurable, but only for a short season. Satan never warns us about the devastating results of sin, he just tempts us with the promise of immediate pleasure. Remember, Satan's goal is to steal, kill, and destroy everything that is good in your life! Viewing life through the biblical lens of God's Word helps us see things in a positive light. When we maintain a "glass half full" attitude, it will impact others and encourage them to do the same.

Reflecting on my past brings back some unpleasant memories. Why? Because I’ve done things in the past I knew weren’t godly. I pridefully did them anyway, and none of them worked out! Pride is a sin, and it often leads us into situations that could be easily avoided. But we can only avoid them by seeking godly guidance and listening to wise advice. I can’t change my past, but thinking about it reminds me that no matter how big the mistake, Jesus offers us hope and forgiveness. After I met Jesus, those things I just thought I wanted became unimportant! In Christ, I got everything I ever wanted and needed!

True contentment only comes from Jesus Christ, we can't find it in our "stuff" or our circumstances. Christ follower, be content and stay faithful to God in every situation. If your glass seems half empty, ask God to regenerate your heart and fill you to overflowing with the power of the Holy Spirit!