COUNSELOR'S CORNER
By: Counselor Monica Langenberg
In this world, you will have trouble but take heart. I have overcome the world. John 16:33b
We live in a broken world. Trouble finds us. Evil comes for us. One theme I often see in the counseling room is people diminishing the suffering and hardships they experience. Many have thoughts like no one cares, it was not that bad, other people have it worse off than me, or I’m fine. Others believe that if they admit their suffering, it means they are failing to trust God. Many believe that bad things should not happen since they are following God. Thus they must be doing something wrong.
How should we think Biblically about the suffering and the trouble we face? In John 16, Jesus gave some final instructions to his disciples before he left them, and he told them to expect trouble. His teaching is to us as well. He does not want us to be shocked when trouble comes.
Yet, he did not give them a step-by-step plan on what to do when it does. Instead, he directs them to their heart. His instruction is to “take heart.” In other words, be comforted, do not fear, be courageous, be confident, cheer up and have hope.
First, he speaks words of comfort and encouragement to their heart. Then He speaks truth to them by reminding them that he has overcome the world.
Even though we will face trouble in this world, trouble does not have the final say over us. Because of Jesus, we gain victory and power over evil. Jesus reminds us that he conquered sin and death on our behalf.
Practically how does knowing this help when we face trouble? First, the Lord invites us to “pour out our hearts before Him.” (Psalm 62:8). Invite him into your troubles by speaking them to him. James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” This is the place we find comfort. It is also the place where we are reminded of the truth. The truth about who it is that we follow and who it is we have placed our confidence and hope.
Where do you tend to go with your troubles when things are hard?
How should we think Biblically about the suffering and the trouble we face? In John 16, Jesus gave some final instructions to his disciples before he left them, and he told them to expect trouble. His teaching is to us as well. He does not want us to be shocked when trouble comes.
Yet, he did not give them a step-by-step plan on what to do when it does. Instead, he directs them to their heart. His instruction is to “take heart.” In other words, be comforted, do not fear, be courageous, be confident, cheer up and have hope.
First, he speaks words of comfort and encouragement to their heart. Then He speaks truth to them by reminding them that he has overcome the world.
Even though we will face trouble in this world, trouble does not have the final say over us. Because of Jesus, we gain victory and power over evil. Jesus reminds us that he conquered sin and death on our behalf.
Practically how does knowing this help when we face trouble? First, the Lord invites us to “pour out our hearts before Him.” (Psalm 62:8). Invite him into your troubles by speaking them to him. James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” This is the place we find comfort. It is also the place where we are reminded of the truth. The truth about who it is that we follow and who it is we have placed our confidence and hope.
Where do you tend to go with your troubles when things are hard?