Although pain in this life is inevitable, Jesus implored His disciples, and us, to take heart. That seems a little counterintuitive. How can we take heart when it’s all too much to bear?

She was nineteen with an unplanned pregnancy—unwed, with no husband on the horizon. Her boyfriend disappeared when he learned the news. Desperate and alone, she cried out to God, but would He listen after what she had done?

Distraught, a mother searches for her wayward child. In anguish, she travels the dangerous inner-city streets, hoping to find her alive and not another statistic of addiction.

“We’ve lost everything in the fire.”

“You have cancer, and it is spreading.”

“Another terrorist attack; multiple casualties reported.”

“I’m sorry to inform you…”

“Our house is in foreclosure.”

Life and grief walk hand in hand. Daily, we are bombarded by news of tragedy and horror. Even if you live off the grid in the backwoods, you will be affected. We can’t escape it. “That’s life.” as the saying goes.

But it’s not eternal life. “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.” John 16:33 (NIV)

What were these things that Jesus told His disciples so they would have peace? Read His words in John 16. They are filled with warnings of troubles to come. Jesus was preparing His friends for what they would face when He was no longer with them. They would be outcasts and scorned. Most would be martyred, and that would be viewed as a service to God by their executors. His followers would be filled with weeping, mourning, and grief. And if that wasn’t enough, there was more Jesus chose not to tell them because it would be too much for them to bear.

Have you been in that place? The place that was too much to bear? I have.

I was that desperate nineteen-year-old girl.

I am that mother searching for a wayward child.

I have received the news that I had cancer.

I’ve heard the words, “I’m sorry to inform you…”

I’ve dealt with housing insecurity.

Other times, I’ve been so anguished the weight of grief buckled my knees.

Take Heart!

Although pain in this life is inevitable, Jesus implored His disciples, and us, to take heart. That seems a little counterintuitive. How can we take heart when it’s all too much to bear?

Continue reading John 16.

Jesus has overcome the world! When He ascended to heaven, the disciples were gifted the Holy Spirit. They no longer had the face-to-face relationship with Jesus and although they loved being with Him, this was even better. His Spirit took up residence in their inner being. Their relationship with Jesus was no longer an outward experience. It was now an inward relationship that no one could touch but Him.

The Holy Spirit, Our Comforter

As followers of Jesus, we have the same opportunity for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and can experience the same comfort and joy in the face of trials as the disciples did. We may be persecuted, but our souls are well. We may be martyred, but we will live with Him in heaven. No weapon or principality can eternally harm us. In grief and heartache, we have the Spirit of Jesus in our inmost being to comfort, uphold, and guide us.

In grief and heartache, we have the Spirit of Jesus in our inmost being to comfort, uphold, and guide us.

Not only do we have hope for our future, but we have hope for right now. The Holy Spirit, our Comforter and Counselor, walks with us. His comfort is not like that of the world which says to just tough it out. He does not placate our emotions. He does not expect us to pretend all is fine. He knows it’s not. His comfort allows us to admit our pain and works through it with us.

The Holy Spirit comforts us by:

Reminding us of God’s faithfulness
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

Giving us hope for the future
“…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

Comforting us in our sorrow
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Helping us forgive others
“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” Romans 8:26-27 

Giving us strength to face challenges
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-30 

In every hardship, the Holy Spirit is there. He sympathizes with our troubles, as He has experienced them too. He reminds us of God’s faithfulness, comforts, brings hope, and strengthens us to press on. Take heart, for Jesus has indeed overcome the world.

Lord Jesus, You are our comfort in sorrow, and the joy we seek. You are our strength and the lifter of our heads. You are the very breath we breathe. In times of great heartache, we know You are near. Open our eyes to see You. Open our hearts to feel You. Open our minds to know You more. We find peace in Your arms and will rest in Your grace. Amen.