“I [Jesus] 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 

When. Not if. Trouble will come.

Take heart, rather than take care. To take care is to wrap our trembling arms around the unseen weight of worry and fear of the future.  To worry is to have a divided heart. One part claims to love and trust God, the other part functions in light of visible and temporary things and asks, “What if?” Our whole heart is able to act courageously.

The pressures of this world are legitimate and often painful, but would you believe that they are probably the least of our troubles? The external afflictions that attack our peace are only symptoms of the larger troubles that plague us from the inside. 

What if we were to bow down before our Creator and cast our external cares on Him while we allow Him to examine the bigger problems in our hearts that skillfully deceive us? Could our biggest enemy not be around us, but the one that resides at the core of our being and distorts our thoughts? We believe lies and then act on them in our own effort and strength. 

The inner voice that insists I am right. The ways I seek to actively avoid healthy community with others. I’m so busy with self-care that I miss caring for others. 

What if. What if I chose to admit these things to the only One who knows my heart and can purify it? God can be my steady Rock no matter what the events or circumstances. He alone is able and willing to calm the storms within even when the storms of life continue to rage. 

Will you humbly press into Him with me? Will you allow Him to cleanse your heart above all, so that He is your Peace? Trust Him.

Rest in Him.

Thank you, Lord, that you rescue us when trouble comes calling, both externally and internally.

Karen Sims