Day 10: Optimism Challenge

Day 10: Just breathe. God knows the desires of your heart.

Psalm 139: 1-4
1 O LORD, you have searched me
and you know me.

2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
you perceive my thoughts from afar.

3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.

4 Before a word is on my tongue
you know it completely, O LORD

Whew! If you have made it through the past nine days, then I bet your heart is tired! Hopefully a good kind of tired, but tired nonetheless.

Trying to be who God wants us to be, and who we ourselves want to be, can be hard.

Although we may start out every morning determined to have a new attitude and a song in our hearts, each day brings challenges that cause us to stumble, only to find ourselves losing the battle for optimism once again; to find our faith faltering, and our hope diminishing; to find that the raging battle for our hearts between two very powerful powers is one that is never ending.

Its okay, friend. Take a deep and refreshing breath – and rest in knowing that God knows your heart.

He knows if we truly desire to have a heart like Christ.

He knows when we are trying hard to live a life that glorifies Him.

He knows when we stumble, but still forgives.

He knows when we are weak, and gives us strength.

He knows when we are lost, and gives us guidance.

He knows when we are broken, and gives us healing.

He knows we are sinners, yet He saves.

His mercies are renewed every day, and that my friend, is something to be happy about!

The past nine days have been a challenge for all of us, and I hope that each one of you will walk away from this little challenge with a fresh perspective, a renewed desire to be an optimist, and a new-found excitement to always see that glass half full.

Lamentations 3:21-22 Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassion’s never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness

2 Corinthians 4:16-17 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

7 Comments

  1. Angie on Friday, February 20, 2009 at 1:17 pm

    A challenge that I thought would not relate to me has turned into an eye opening, heart breaking, soul searching, life changing experience. I’ve only just begun but I know God has and wants so much more for me.
    Thank you for this challenge Tracie.



  2. B His Girl on Friday, February 20, 2009 at 2:11 pm

    We know Him in part but He knows us fully. I’m so thankful I found His mercy new again this morning. Great is your faithfulness O God! Thanks Tracie for encouraging us to look up! B



  3. Brandi on Friday, February 20, 2009 at 2:18 pm

    This has really given me a fresh outlook on my daily life. The way I react, think, choose. I really needed this and will continue with it daily…to grow in a POSITIVE way. The Lord knows what I need, I just have to CHOOSE to act in the way He wants me to. Thank you Tracie for this WONDERFUL challenge! God Bless!



  4. Lori on Friday, February 20, 2009 at 2:19 pm

    Tracie,

    Thank you for providing this “Optimism Challenge” for us all! It was a treat to look forward to a new ‘tool’ to work on each day. The daily challenges kept me focused on being more positive throughout each day!

    Have a great Friday seeking God’s presence in everything you do.

    Lori – Mesa, AZ



  5. Tracey on Friday, February 20, 2009 at 5:49 pm

    This was definately a good challenge for me. I’m learning more and more about myself everyday. Thank you for taking the time to teach me.



  6. Carmen. on Saturday, February 21, 2009 at 3:08 am

    What a wonderful challenge! I really enjoyed the experience. Being in touch with all of you ladies was very neat. And now this great end, GOD KNOWS THE DESIRES OF OUR HEART.
    Tracie thanks a lot. God bless.
    Thanks ladies.
    Love.
    Carmen.



  7. Joyful on Saturday, February 21, 2009 at 3:20 am

    I love the reminder to “Just breathe”.

    Thanks for the challenges you provided over the past 10 days. Praying I will continue with them until they become part of my life. Every day offers challenges. Praying I will respond with the heart of Christ.

    Have a great weekend,
    Joy



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Tracie Miles is a bestselling author and the Director of COMPEL Training with Proverbs 31 Ministries.  She helps women grow stronger in their faith, pursue the life of purpose God designed them for and live a life of peace, joy and happiness despite their circumstances.

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