Take Heart

The Lord never said we would not suffer in this world. In fact, He said the opposite. In John 16: 33, Jesus said, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

Honestly, I’ve had seasons where I barely held on. Anxiety and depression were more than feelings; they were storms I couldn’t escape. I learned quickly that if I tried to fight them on my own, I’d drown. But in those darkest moments, I found a lifeline: God’s promise. One verse became an anchor for me: Psalm 27:13: 

“I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”

Though I could not imagine how, I truly believed the Lord would fulfill His Word. I held onto the hope that He had a good future planned for me.  

Looking back over my life, I no longer question why, but I thank Him for getting a hold of me and teaching me how to listen to His voice, how to dig deep, how to hope, how to persevere... And, I am most thankful that He has redeemed my darkest years, turning them into my biggest victories. He has restored my soul and is establishing me in my pre-ordained purpose.   

“You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed and placed and purposefully planted you, so that you would go and bear fruit and keep on bearing, and that your fruit will remain and be lasting, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.” John 15:16

If you’re in a storm right now, don’t let go. Keep holding onto His promises. Speak them over your life, even if your voice shakes. You’re not forgotten. He sees you. He knows you. And He’s already working for your good. 

Take heart, not because everything is okay, but because He is with you in everything. 

-Shana