Take Heart

Have you ever waited a long time for God to answer your prayer? I have. Actually, I've been waiting years for God to answer a couple of my prayers. In the long dry season, it's easy to get discouraged. Knowing God is more than able to change the situation, and yet He doesn't, can be frustrating to the human mind.

I was speaking to a friend about this very subject, and she reminded me of this verse. It is John 16:33, "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."

What exactly does "take heart" mean? According to an AI search, "to take heart means to become encouraged, hopeful, or more courageous, especially in a difficult situation, essentially telling someone to cheer up or not lose confidence because things will likely improve or can be overcome." Jesus encouraged us to take heart because He has already overcome the world. God is bigger than any situation we are facing. He has already overcome death, hell, and the grave. There is nothing impossible for Him.

Jesus never promised His followers a life filled with ease. In fact, He promised the opposite--trials, trouble, and persecution. Yet He promised that He would never leave us nor forsake us, even in the midst of these hard situations. He also promised that we could have peace in this troubled world that we live in. In John 14:27, Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

We read in the Bible about David. He was a king, but not all of his life was spent in a luxurious castle. He went through some very hard times. Saul wanted to kill David. At another time, His own people wanted to stone him. What did David do during difficult times? The answer can be found in 1 Samuel 30:6, "And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God."

Encourage yourself in the Lord, even as you walk through the valleys of life. Read the promises in the Bible. Pray to the Lord. James 4:8 encourages, "Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you...." Sing songs of praise and worship. God inhabits the praises of His people. Do not allow negative thoughts to overtake you. Try to keep a positive attitude. God's got this! You are in His thoughts, and He is in control. Trust. Believe. Keep going. The next time you feel discouraged, remember these two words--TAKE HEART!