The last several months have definitely been doozies! Aging parents are calling with valid concerns. Grandkids are wondering why adults are occasionally talking so seriously in hushed voices. The reasons, naming just a few, include the stock market, the economy, the layoffs, the growing unemployment issues, the down and up gasoline prices, the continuing concerns about terrorism, and now the Swine Flu! My prayer list has grown longer. It’s full of requests for grandkids with health issues, friends’ kids in the hospital, jobs for several out-of-state friends including many in the Sandwich Generation, job protection for many more friends, aging parents dealing with new trials , and the list goes on!!!! Oh my!
With all of this, I have been seriously pondering Jesus’ words this week from John 16:33. “In the world you have tribulation…” I did a little research into the Greek and discovered one of the definitions for tribulation includes, “a pressing, pressing together, pressure.” Isn’t that a great description for the way things are going in our country and our world lately? It sometimes reminds me of one of those houses in a cheesy old movie, where the walls get closer and closer, pressing in on whoever is in it.
I am so grateful that isn’t all there is to that verse. The whole verse is,
Jesus answered…"These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."
Isn’t that awesome! As I continued to think about this passage, I found some other encouraging verses in my study guide that went so well with it:
- When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God , whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. Psalm 56:3-4
- Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances , for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thess 5:15-18
- Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
We may not understand what is going on in the world, but how wonderful to know that, because Jesus has overcome the world, He is truly in control . Because of that we CAN trust in Him and we can be joyful and give thanks in ALL circumstances. That is truly GOOD and encouraging NEWS!
