Take Heart

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).

I love to watch Hallmark Christmas movies. They’re cheesy, sappy, and unrealistic; they all have unbelievable premises; and the plots are all similar. All problems, even the most difficult ones, are solved with mostly unlikely coincidences. But I love them anyway. They’re set in charming and picturesque locations decked out in perfect Christmas regalia, and our protagonist moves on to a more fulfilling destiny.

But most of all I like them because they’re not like real life.

Most of the time our problems aren’t framed by idyllic, small-town backdrops and easily solved by a mysterious stranger or long-lost love. So here in the real world, what are we to do?

Remember What Christ Has Done

We have a much better Savior than any Hallmark movie writer could dream up. Our Savior gives us specific instructions on how to deal with our problems in the verse above: take heart (and remember why).

Jesus doesn’t sugarcoat it for us. He flat out says we will have trouble in this world, and our testimony as Christians comes in with how we handle our problems. His words clearly indicate that we should rely on him because he has overcome the world. These earthly troubles are just temporary setbacks in a world that’s not our final destination.

Sometimes we can compound our troubles when we shift our focus from Jesus to ourselves, when we try to handle our troubles on our own or attempt to control our circumstances. I find that when I’m struggling mightily with problems, it’s because I’m trying to work them out myself. When I have the urge to throw a pity party or hissy fit, it’s usually when I’ve been trying to handle life’s difficulties myself. I also tend to be a little bit of a control freak, both with what falls into my realm of control and with what definitely does not. This need for control only adds to my problems. We’re not meant to control everything, no matter how much we want to.

I often think of the Natalie Grant song “King of the World” when I need to remind myself that I’m not supposed to be in control. The song helps shift my focus and heart back where they need to be. I am not the king of the world. It’s not my responsibility to control everyone and everything. My responsibility is to rely on Jesus and glorify him in everything I do. I need to remember what Jesus said, that when we face trouble, we should remember that he has overcome the world.

So while our lives might not resemble a Hallmark movie, we need to take heart because we have something greater—the King of the World.

Dear Lord, thank you for coming to this world and conquering it for us. Help us keep our focus on you. Help us remember that you care about all our troubles and to take them all to you. When the troubles of this world threaten to overwhelm us, may we remember that you are indeed the King of Kings and that you have overcome this world. Amen.

Scripture for Reflection

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 NIV)

Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever. (Psalm 136:3 NIV)

On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords. (Revelation 19:16 NIV)

Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57 NIV)

Reach for More

Dig in and believe Jesus’s words in John 16:33. He has overcome the world for you. Look to him in both good times and times of trouble. Stay in God’s Word, stay in worship, and keep praying. Even if you just have to go through the motions for a while, keep doing it. The Lord will never give up on you. Believe his words and rely on him.

Dana Herndon is a writer, blogger, and middle school teacher. She and her husband live in Georgia with their three children. In addition to teaching and writing, Dana loves to read, paddle board, and sometimes run. She blogs about faith, family, and enjoying the everyday life at danaherndon.com.