Take Heart

John 16:33
“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.”

My granddaughter Ella Cate and I took down my Christmas tree. 

When we finished tucking the last ornament away, it was time to unwind the lights. I had the bright idea this year of using the pretty, colorful fairy lights that come on the tiny wire. When my granddaughter, Dylan, hung them on the tree for me, I had suggested she wrap one set around the center post. When she finished, the tree sparkled.

The first set of lights strung on the branches unwound as smooth as silk. Ella Cate read me knock-knock jokes while I worked on them. Then I started removing the second set, the one wound tightly around the skinny trunk of the tree. Oh my, I struggled. Once I got them off the top section, Ella Cate was able to hold some of the branches while I unwrapped. When we finally removed the last twinkling bulb, I knew we’d not repeat my mistake next year.

John 16:33 may not be referring to untangling Christmas tree lights, but even in the small things God is with me. Even though I felt discouraged and frustrated—I continued, with Ella Cate’s help. Sometimes life becomes a tangled-up mess. John recorded Jesus’ words where He tells us we will have trouble in this world. It’s inevitable because sin runs rampant, but as believers, Jesus promises that He has overcome the world. He holds our hearts in His hands because He loves us so much.

Whatever your situation is, take heart. We have hope through our Lord Jesus Christ.