In this world…
There are times
when noise from the outside enters -
Chaotic,
prolonged, pervasive noise holds thoughts in din.
The pensiveness
and contemplation on the mind do weigh –
Becoming emotion
in the heart for an unwelcomed stay.
But take heart!
Have courage,
be bolstered and brave, and confident be;
For through
trust, love and hope there is rest for thee.
In stillness,
listening to whispers the heavy heart will mend.
There is peace
and joy to come, the temporal chaos will end.
“In this
world you will have trouble…” John 16:33
Trouble… difficulty, concern, strife, disorder, adversity, suffering, affliction, struggle, mess, pain, problem, unrest, woe, discontent, sorrow, tribulation, grief, misfortune, heartache, trial.
It gives pause
that a single word encapsulates such that is the heavy dark shadow of the human
condition. No one, not a single human
being escapes this experience. It is a
certainty of life. It comes in many
forms – in so many, many ways.
It is found globally…
Famine - prolonged hunger regionally giving witness to suffering, acute malnutrition and death by starvation.
War - armed
conflict between factions or nations with extreme violence, economic
destruction and death.
It is found
societally…
Racism -
unequal treatment based on race, skin color, or ethnicity.
Abuse -
physical, verbal or emotional behaviors intended to intimidate, offend or harm.
Politicalization
with growing division.
Contempt.
It is personal
coming throughout our lives. Circumstance often beyond control.
Loss… the death
of one for whom you cared or loved; the end of employment; the loss of a home; the
devastation of natural disaster such as a tornado, hurricane, earthquake or
wildfire.
Pain… a physical chronic health condition or an
unexpected and unwelcomed diagnosis; emotional pain as a spouse leaves, a
friend walks away, an aching heart full of heart or anger or disappointment
weighs heavily.
Struggle…
trying to make ends meet on an ever-shrinking budget; conflict in a
relationship; fatigue or ailment that makes a daily task a difficult challenge.
“In this
world you will have trouble.”
Trouble. The Greek word for trouble in this verse is
‘thlipsis’ meaning tribulation, especially internal pressure that causes
someone to feel confined, restricted, without options, no way of escape.
“In this world YOU
WILL HAVE trouble.”
It is certain.
Just as certain
is the promise statement for each held in the full verse.
“In this
world you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world.”
– John 16:33
“But take
heart…” - To have one’s confidence, courage or
happiness bolstered by (something). To
receive courage or comfort from some fact. To be brave.
Each of us in
the face of whatever or all the trouble this world throws us in the midst of,
may possess bold strength; hold on with full assurance; and be rest in
assurance that we will not remain overwhelmed by trouble’s chaos. We may have courage to endure and confidence
we will overcome the tribulation for He has overcome all for us.
“In this
world you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world.”
We can anchor our hearts, our minds, our beings - in the One who overcame, the One who conquered, the One Who Is, Was and Will be always with us, always loves us.
My prayer for
you this day is that no matter the trouble you are in the midst of – no matter
the difficulty, concern, strife, disorder, adversity, suffering, affliction,
struggle, mess, pain, problem, unrest, woe, discontent, sorrow, tribulation,
grief, misfortune, heartache, or trial – you will be able to breathe and ‘take
heart’ as you trust in the One who has not only overcome the world, but has
overcome and reigns over sin and death.
May you name your trouble, release it to the One who overcomes. May you know His love and feel the comfort
and the victory that through Him is yours. May you breathe deeply and freely,
as you trust in Him and abide in His love.
“And lo, I
am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” – Matthew 28:20
“Now, in all
these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor
life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any
powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be
able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” –
Romans 8:37-39
