In Trouble? Take Comfort

Joe is a volunteer assistant at Gas Street Church.

John 16:33 (NIV) 
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.

This week, I’d love to introduce you to the Greek word tharseō in the Bible. It is translated 'to take heart, take courage, take comfort.' We'll anchor in this verse as we unpack 'comfort when in trouble.'

I've been watching a BBC crime drama and learned about something called a ‘dying declaration’. A testimony is taken more seriously in court if it's someone’s last words. Where we drop into John chapter 16, we read the end of Jesus’ last words to his disciples before he is crucified. John is saying: ‘Listen closely’.

I love the promises we find in Scripture, but not all equally!  e.g. Isaiah 40:31: ‘But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength…’ What a great promise! But how about this one, 'In this world you will have trouble'...? As surely as the sun will rise tomorrow, trouble will come your way. Who feels encouraged? I can’t say it appears the most encouraging scripture, yet when I look at my life, I can see Jesus is telling the truth. And still, we can take comfort. The question is how?

Look at Jesus’ answer: He has overcome the world. 'The world' as an unholy trinity of sin, death and darkness. All trouble we face has its origins in the brokenness of our world. However, it is not we who have to overcome the world - Jesus has already done it. By his death on the Cross and Resurrection, Jesus totally disarmed the powers of sin, death and darkness (Colossians 2:15).

Do you accept, in faith, that Jesus really has won the victory? How might that bring you comfort and courage in your christian walk this week?

Today, hear the words of Jesus: tharseō ‘Take heart, I have overcome’.

Prayer - Thank you, Jesus.