We’ve all heard popular expressions about changing lemons into lemonade, looking on the bright side, seeing a glass half full instead of half empty. These sayings can encourage a happier outlook on life. But is optimism enough? 

Seeing a half-full glass is definitely better than seeing a half-empty one. Lasting satisfaction, though, usually calls for a completely full glass. Is this even possible? Yes! There is a way to transform longing into a tangible, spiritual perspective, one that moves us toward understanding God, good, as eternal and dependable.

Christ Jesus demonstrated this. Over and over, he brought healing to unhappy or desperate circumstances by perceiving each one from a divine viewpoint. Early in his healing career, for instance, he encountered a problem at a wedding. Like today, the custom at that time was to celebrate together by sharing wine. But the wedding host had run out of wine, a distressing lapse in hospitality. When Jesus was asked to help, his God-inspired perspective replaced the scene of lack with one of abundance. He requested water—and changed it into wine (see John 2:1–10).