Listen:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)
Reflect:
As I write these words, the ‘trouble’ this verse talks about is all around.
We await another lockdown as Covid cases rise — ‘Take heart!’
A friend undergoes major surgery today for cancer — ‘Take heart!.
Refugees from persecution and war in their own countries in our church await housing — ‘Take heart!’
People’s livelihoods are in danger as their businesses are closed — ‘Take heart!’
Relationships are at breaking point — ‘Take heart!’
We grieve the lost, the absence, the lack of human contact — ‘Take heart!’
All these situations are very real and very challenging. And Jesus is beside us in the midst of them. His word is before us, His peace and presence as real as our troubles. His promise is that He has overcome the trials and tribulations of the world. He has overcome, not He will, He already has. That’s a hard concept to grasp when we are struggling. And yet, when we read His word something miraculous happens, we can find joy in the midst of sorrow. The psalms remind us that, “...weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” Psalms 30:5
Prayer of Response:
“Victorious God, may these words not be platitudes, may they be living words and promises in our lives. Help us to hunger and thirst after your word that we might find the peace and respite we need in these troubled times. May we also offer Your peace and comfort to those around us who are in need. Let us take heart as we look to You and realize once again that You are the answer, You are our hope and You have indeed overcome the world. We praise You mighty and victorious God. Amen!”
—Submitted by Lis Ho
(Lis is living in Lyon, France, with her teenage son. Currently preparing the Lifesprings School of Ministry with the Lyon team. She is a portrait photographer and teacher of English as a foreign language. In a world of busyness, her ‘rhythm of life’ verse is ‘Be still and know that I am God’, Psalm 46:10.)
Lifesprings mission is to Encourage, Prepare, and Connect women worldwide to impact their communities with the love of God.
Thank you Lis for sharing these verses; your meditation is so encouraging and supportive too !
THANKS