What a difference between ‘losing heart’ and ‘taking heart.’ Losing heart comes when we think things are out of control and there is nothing good in sight. Taking heart happens when we have living hope and confidence in good things to come.
What is troubling your heart today?
Maybe you have the sense that life is passing you by and you have not made a mark in this world. Maybe your children seem to have abandoned the faith. Maybe the surging, perverse and ungodly philosophies of the world threaten to absorb all that you hold dear. Maybe cancer cells are ravaging your body or the flesh of someone you love.
Jesus pulls no punches with His disciples. He says life in this world includes tribulation. That word indicates times of mounting pressure and hardship. But in those troubled times, He says to TAKE heart. Now, that’s the exact opposite of what we’d expect. When hardship drags on, we are prone to LOSE heart. But Jesus says TAKE heart.
Why? Because He has overcome the world. Because He reigns over all. Because the victory over sin and death is in His hands, and He shares His reign with His church.
The mind stayed on Christ is life and peace. Even in a troubled setting. How are you doing keeping your eyes on Jesus? Are you abiding in the One who holds you fast? Is His word in you and is your prayer lifted up to Him?
We are not those shaken like leaves. We are positioned and poised in our Messiah.
Have you have ever owned a pair of Nikes? “Nike” is the Greek word for victory. “Nikao” is the verb to have victory or to conquer. That’s what Jesus says in John 16:33. “Take heart; I have overcome (nikao) the world.’’ In other words, I understand Jesus is telling us, “Don’t lose heart. Take heart. Let your heart be strong and filled with faith. I have victory over the world system. I have conquered and nothing will subvert my Kingdom.”
Christ is on the throne. In the end, we will reign with Christ through eternity.
Salt Is Good 