Is it because we now have 24/7 world wide news coverage? Is hatred and division growing? Are evil deeds increasing more and more in our lifetime or do we just hear more about it?
When will it end? When will things get better? Or, will they?
Out of the gloom and out of what has to be the world’s darkest hour, comes the reality and hope.
“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)
Just hours before his arrest, his unjust and merciless trial, and his tortuous, humiliating execution, he spoke these words.
He would endure this night and the following day because he knew the glory that awaited. A glory that would make all the suffering seem as nothing.
He gave his disciples the reality of life in this world, “you will have trouble.” Trouble that will last as long as this world remains.
But then he gave them his hope, “But take heart, I have overcome the world.” Because of him, if we trust him, we will share in his glory.