Take Heart!

 

Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:31-33 ESV).

 

It’s not easy being a “people.” Our lives are filled with countless ups and downs and although we yearn for a sense of control, we live each day never really know what is going to happen next. We seek to live lives filled with pleasure and try at all costs to limit pain, but we inevitably experience our fair share of both. The awareness and acceptance of this fundamental reality is what differentiates us from almost all other species and provides a unique challenge for our existence. The Scripture talks about this as “taking heart.” It is another way of saying we have reason to be optimistic.

 

The ability to put optimism front and center can transform your life. Like religion or any other belief you hold to be true, being an optimist requires faith. It is the faith in the work of Christ in our lives that allows us to believe that no matter what, everything is going to be okay. This same faith also helps us see solutions to problems, alleviate stress and avoid dwelling in state of anxiety and fear. Of course, even with the most adept optimists there are going to be times when pessimism creeps into your life. The great question becomes how do we shift from that fear to hope? Let me make two suggestions.

 

First, practice gratitude. When you wake up in the morning, take a few moments to intentionally remind yourself of things you are grateful for. We often lose sight of just how amazing our lives are. Doing this exercise in the morning helps get your mind focused on all the good things happening in your world and sets you up to have a positive day. Second, smile more. It’s been written about a lot, but don’t underestimate the power that smiling can have on your life. This most basic human expression has been shown to reduce stress hormone levels, lower blood pressure and stimulate our brain’s reward mechanisms. And, third, recall the many expressions of grace God has shown to you in the past. Throughout the day I have found that as I remember those “singular” moments of grace that stand out from “normal life,” normal now becomes much easier to navigate. In fact, this is how I’ve come to the conclusion that God has been so good to me, I am bubble-wrapped! We all are, really. That’s what grace does!