“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jesus – John 16:33

Barna research claims that 60% of Americans worry or tend to be anxious. We worry about the economy, government intrusion, and personal finances. Nearly 50% of all parents worry about their kids and the impact technology and the media have on them. Organizational leadership worries about budgets and staffing. Pastors worry about declining church attendance. Teens worry about being accepted or passing a big test. People who live in the western states worry about wildfires.

What do you worry about?

The truth is there is more than enough trouble in this world to cause any of us to worry. Yet, in the midst of all the trouble, Jesus says something remarkable. He says simply, “Take heart.” Can He really be serious? How is that possible?

My friend finding a small sculpture of the Christ child in the pile of ashes and debris after his home burned to the ground reassured him that God was still Sovereign and always would be. In those dark times, he learned he could indeed “take heart” because all that really mattered Christ had already taken care of.

It’s true that the things we are most devoted to are the things we worry about in life. If things like careers, retirement, or maintaining a certain lifestyle are what our life is about, that is what we will worry about. On that other hand, if we have learned the secret to setting our hearts and minds on things above, then there’s really nothing to worry about. Knowing Jesus has overcome the world is sufficient for those who know Him.

In a world where God is barely acknowledged and life after death is debunked, there is not much reason to take heart. The consequence of this nihilistic, man-centered worldview is an intense feeling of hopelessness in the midst of a ruthless and broken world. We have been called to live by a different standard.

You see…worry is contagious. If we worry about the things of this world, our children and grandchildren will probably do the same. Worry and faith do not coexist. When hope is absent, our hearts grow weary and die. The victorious work of Christ on the Cross gives us hope. We no longer simply wander about trying to make a better life or trying to cope with disappointment. Hope is the outcome of resting in God—not the God I want, but the God who IS—and in His precious promise that He has overcome the world.

Grandparents, if you a new creature in Christ, you have every reason to take heart. It’s more than being “strong” when hard times come. It is resting in the knowledge that He has overcome and is preparing a place for us. Be honest about your struggles, but share your story and journey in Christ with each of your grandchildren. Tell them and write down the stories of God’s faithfulness (see our Legacy Journal offer) and the hope you have for an eternal home. Show your grandchildren by your own faith that hope is alive and well.

GRANDPAUSE:

“I can see the Light that is coming for the heart that holds on, There will be an end to these troubles, but until that day comes, Still I will praise You, still I will praise You.”

(From the song “You Never Let Go!” by Matt Redman)