I admit it. I’m an incurable sports fan who irrationally supports my teams through thick and thin. Unfortunately, none of them has ever been considered a “blue blood” (an elite, historically successful team). Occasionally, one of them will have an unexpectedly strong showing, but none has been part of a “dynasty” that dominated their sport over consecutive seasons.
Only one team wins the prize, so why do I (along with millions of other sports “fanatics”) come back year after year? Are we gluttons for punishment? Psychologists refer to the phenomenon as “optimism bias.” During the off-season, fans develop overly optimistic expectations for their teams (even believing they will win more games than is mathematically possible). Despite the improbability, we’re caught in a perpetual cycle of “next year will be our year” optimism that keeps us coming back for more.
The story of the Bible is also one of perpetual hope in difficult times. The difference, however, is that it’s not based on an implausible, romanticized enthusiasm. Christians don’t suffer from “optimism bias” because their hope is grounded in history.
In Psalm 77, the author is tormented by his current trials. He writes of continually seeking the Lord, refusing to be comforted by others and growing faint even as he thinks about his situation. His lament is so intense that he begins to question God.
“Will the Lord spurn forever, and never again be favorable? Has His steadfast love forever ceased? Are His promises at an end for all time? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has He in anger shut up His compassion?” (Ps. 77:7–9)
At this point, he faces a decision. “On what will I direct my thoughts?” Fixating on the (seeming) impossibility of the problem is neither healthy nor helpful. But does it honor God to mindlessly assume it will ‘work itself out’? No! The psalmist reveals the answer by shifting his thinking to something both God-honoring and concrete. It’s a shift that begins with “I will remember.”
I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember Your wonders of old. I will ponder all Your work, and meditate on Your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; You have made known Your might among the peoples. You with Your arm redeemed Your people, the children of Jacob and Joseph. (Ps. 77:11–15)
The psalmist’s hope is not rooted in an irrational “optimism bias.” It is an eminently rational faith, grounded in historical evidence. After reflecting on the specifics of past victories at God’s hand, he recalls God’s sovereign power over all creation. Notice how he focuses on God’s authority over nature’s most intimidating manifestations.
When the waters saw you, O God, when the waters saw you, they were afraid; indeed, the deep trembled. The clouds poured out water; the skies gave forth thunder; Your arrows flashed on every side. The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind; Your lightnings lighted up the world; the earth trembled and shook. Your way was through the sea, Your path through the great waters; yet Your footprints were unseen. You led Your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron. (Ps. 77:16–20)
Even the chaos of the sea trembles before God. And it’s through that sea that He led His people to safety on dry land. The Bible is an uninterrupted record of God saving His people, culminating in ultimate salvation at the cross. God’s victorious past, together with His future promises, is grounds for present hope!
How many God-directed victories could you recount in your life? Don’t become consumed by anxiety over the details of your difficulties, and don’t thoughtlessly withdraw from them. Instead, view them in light of God’s past actions and His supreme authority. Your responsibility is to remember and trust. As soon as fear begins to crop up, repeat the psalmist’s words, “I will remember.”
I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that You have done; I ponder the work of Your hands. I stretch out my hands to You; my soul thirsts for You like a parched land. (Ps 143:5–6)