“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome this world” (John 16:33)
Social media sure is full of negative, paranoia, defensive attitudes from people. It seems some easily get lost in a defeated frame of mind. Sure, there are bad things that happen to good people. And yes, our world is not perfect and full of a lot of pain at times. But people with defeated attitudes and persecution complexes give me the impression they want everyone else to feel as miserable as they are. It is especially disheartening when they claim to follow Jesus Christ. Jesus never walked around with a sad dejected expression on his face. He was not miserable and downhearted. Had he been any of these things, children would never have been drawn to him.
God never asked us to sit down and have a personal pity party. Nor did he ask us to make a hobby out of making excuses for ourselves while pointing the finger at others. Why do some believers make a meal on sour grapes and dill pickles?
Jesus said in John 16:33 that we WILL have trouble in this world. We can take it to the bank that things will not always go the way we want them to, people will not always treat us the way we think they should, we will not always get what we want. But….and here’s the good part…..Jesus said that he has overcome the world. That means that by his grace, we too can overcome the bad, the ugly, the evil things of this world. David overcame his giant with a sling shot and one lousy little stone. His aim was perfect, and he nailed that big bully with one shot! Perhaps some people just have a bad aim!
Some of us need to get up off our pity stools and run to the giant. Some of us need to stop being a victim of the earth and start being the salt of the earth. Some of us need to stop hiding in the corner in darkness and start living in the light. Our God is a God who helps us overcome the world, not be overwhelmed by it.
I encourage all of us to take a good look in the mirror and say what the psalmist said to himself – “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again – my Savior and my God.” (Psalm 43:5). Then grab your slingshot and get out there!
Darlene
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