“In This World You Will Have Trouble.”


Today’s Verses:
John 16:33
NIV

(Jesus said) “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.”


No one needs to tell you, but sometimes life stinks. To paraphrase Lynn Anderson, we’ve never been promised a rose garden. In our verse today, Jesus doesn’t hold back. He states, “In this world, you will have trouble.” The weight of sin on us and the world is undeniable. The chaos caused by sin piles up on our shoulders. Yet Jesus doesn’t end his thoughts with despair and sadness. Instead, He reminds us to “But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Jesus spoke to His disciples before His arrest, knowing they would soon face the fear and worry of the future. Even as Jesus was preparing to face suffering and death at the hands of His enemies, His focus was on comforting and directing His disciples on the way to peace. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, Jesus triumphed over our enemies of sin, death, and Satan. His victory is complete and eternal for us and the world.

As we come to the end of 2024 and look to an uncertain future in 2025, we cling to Jesus’ promise that our salvation is guaranteed through His sacrifice on the cross. We are justified by grace through faith in our Savior, and this same grace carries us through the trials we face in life. When these troubles arise, we can rest comfortably knowing that Jeuss has already secure the final victory, He gives us the courage to face each day confidently, knowing He has done everything to secure our eternal life.

Prayers

A Prayer for Today:

Gracious Lord, thank You for the peace You give through Jesus. In this broken world, we often feel burdened by troubles and fears. Help us to take heart and trust in Your victory. Strengthen our faith and remind us daily that through Your Son, we, too, are overcomers. In His name, we pray. Amen.

Apostles’ Creed:

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

The Lord’s Prayer:

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Luther’s Morning Prayer:

I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.


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A Song for Today


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Remembering the First Martyrs