Take Heart
To reflect God’s heart to the world around us, we need to know God’s heart and, we believe, God’s heart is most clearly represented in Jesus. In the weeks leading up to Easter, we invite you to explore the life of Jesus by reading the Gospel of John with us. As we delve into the richness of scripture, we’ll utilize the ancient practice of Lectio Divina, which invites us to slow down and posture our hearts to hear from God. With that said, let’s begin with a prayer.
Open your time by reciting these words:
Lord, as I approach scripture, prepare my heart to encounter You in its pages. Quiet the distractions that pull me away and open my eyes to see Your truth. May I encounter these words humbly, with an open mind and a receptive spirit. May my time in Scripture be a sacred encounter that deepens my relationship with You and transforms me into the image of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Lectio (Reading)
Take a moment to read John 16:16-33 slowly and attentively. As you read, pay attention to any words or phrases that stand out to you. Allow the text to wash over you, inviting the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart.
“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
Meditatio (Meditation)
In John 16:16-33, Jesus sits down with his disciples for a heart-to-heart conversation. He doesn't sugarcoat things; He tells them straight up that soon He will be leaving them. His words carry a weight of impending change, stirring up confusion and anxiety among His followers. In verse 20, Jesus compares the disciples' sorrow to the pain of childbirth. It's a powerful metaphor because it speaks to the reality that growth and new life often come through struggle and pain. Just as a mother's labor pains give way to the joy of holding her newborn, our trials can lead to a deeper experience of God's presence and a greater understanding of His purposes.
Jesus acknowledges that His departure will bring grief, but He also promises that their sorrow will turn to joy. In verse 22, Jesus says, "So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy." This is a profound statement of hope. It reminds us that even during our pain and sorrow, we can hold onto the promise of a future filled with joy in the presence of our Savior. Jesus goes on to assure His disciples that He has overcome the world. This declaration is both a source of comfort and a call to courage. In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, we can take heart knowing that Jesus has already secured the victory.
Take a moment to consider what you just read. Consider the disciples' confusion and Jesus' reassurance. What does it mean to you to experience grief turning into joy? How does Jesus' promise of seeing Him again bring you comfort in difficult times? Take a moment to ponder these questions in silence.
Contemplatio (Contemplation)
Jesus tells them it is going to get worse before it gets better. There were going to be things that threatened their belief. Events would unfold not quite the way they envisioned. They would be scattered, scared, confused, and afraid in a few short days. Their faith would be shaken. Yet, in the midst of it all, Jesus encourages them to take heart, for He has overcome the world.
How does one take heart? You take heart by remaining in Him. Everything around us is moving. Even though we desire stability and certainty, this is never God’s intention for our lives. If everything went according to plan, faith would not be needed. What we do in those moments when it is hard to believe is critical. They can either bring us closer to God, or we can allow them to push us away from Him.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to live in the tension between the already and the not yet. We experience glimpses of God's kingdom here on earth, but we also long for the day when His reign will be fully realized. In the meantime, we cling to the promise that Jesus has overcome the world and that nothing can separate us from His love.
Take a moment to rest in God's presence. Allow yourself to be still and know that He is with you. Let go of the need to understand everything and simply trust in His love and faithfulness. Bask in His peace and soak in the assurance of His promises.
Actio (Action)
God uses everything we face to shape our faith and transform our character. When you remain in Him, it is only natural you bear fruit (John 15:1-11). Bearing fruit is evidence of discipleship (John 8:31). Remaining in Him requires us to trust when life doesn’t make sense. Remaining in Him often means doing the difficult things. Remaining in Him requires giving up control, testing our motives, and examining our hearts.
We must stop and ask ourselves: what threatens our beliefs? Why are we hesitant to remain in Him? Why do we want to move from where He is? Why do we tend to let our circumstances dictate our faith? How can our faith become unshakable regardless of the situation we encounter?
What we have to understand is that bearing fruit isn’t about us. It isn’t for our benefit. Fruit that remains on a tree eventually rots and is worthless. The fruit in our lives is meant to nourish other people and glorify God. We must constantly be looking for places to give ourselves away.
Take a moment to consider opportunities to extend compassion to those around you, especially to those who are grieving or experiencing hardship. Offer a listening ear, a kind word, or a helping hand to someone in need. By showing compassion and empathy, you embody the love of Christ and demonstrate His presence amid suffering.
Oratio (Prayer)
Close your time by reciting this prayer or lifting up your own:
Lord, in life's transitions and uncertainties, we thank You for the promise of Your constant presence. As we navigate through trials and sorrows, help us to cling to the hope of Your victory over the world. May Your joy sustain us, Your peace calm us, and Your love envelop us, guiding us through every storm we face. Amen.