Don’t Be Surprised
There are some things that shouldn’t surprise us:
Winter blooming to life each spring.
The sun rising every morning.
Our ongoing need for food, water, air, and rest.
Change being an essential part of life.
Likewise, there’s no escaping the fact that life is messy and full of trouble. This beautiful world is fractured. But, despite this, Jesus offers us hope:
“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
What “things” had Jesus just told His disciples?
He was honest about the grief and pain they’d endure but also about the future joy they’d experience. He was preparing their hearts for His death and their persecution but also for His resurrection and their salvation. Jesus’ encouragement to His disciples is also an encouragement to us…
We shouldn’t be surprised that this world is full of challenges—but Jesus is bigger than it all.
Following God doesn’t automatically erase the pain of the world—at least not yet. We still have injustice and evil to fight. But God has not left us to our own devices. We have not been abandoned to ourselves. We can trust in Him wholeheartedly as we wait for His return.
So, as you think about the trouble in your life—whether it’s your health, relationships, finances, or other difficulties—remember:
You can still have peace, you can still take heart, and you can still be comforted because Jesus Christ has already overcome the world!
Choose Thankfulness
For years, nothing in King David’s life looked “good.” His family underestimated him, giants despised him, and his father-in-law spent years trying to kill him. But the whole time, David clung to a promise that God would establish him, and eventually make him king of Israel.
David never gave up or gave in—he chose to stay close to God and wait for Him to act. And when God showed up, this is how David responded:
“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.”
1 Chronicles 16:34 NIV
David knew that even when life didn’t look good, he served a God who IS good. And this same God is still actively fighting for us now.
Through His Son, Jesus, He has given us continual access to Himself. We can never lose His unfailing love toward us—a love that endures forever, no matter what goes on around us.
David recognized this, and proclaimed it. And every day, we have the opportunity to do the same.
Here are 2 practical ways that we can respond to ...