PerspectiveSample

Standing Tall

“…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

Jesus promises two things in this scripture. First, we will encounter trouble in this life. Jesus never said that following him gives us easy lives. In fact, he promises us the opposite. He promises that if we choose to practice his ways, there will be trouble. His ways are countercultural; they are subversive to the powers of this world. We are signing up for battle when we choose Jesus. We can expect trouble, guaranteed. And yet, in the same breath, Jesus charges us with another promise:

“Take heart! I have overcome the world.”

The war is over. Jesus won. So even when we find ourselves surrounded, beaten, and wounded in a battle, TAKE HEART. We still have hope. A hope beyond this present world anchored in eternity. We still have a reason to sing. Even when we are shaking, we find strength to lift our hands in praise because of Jesus. Because of who He is, what He has done, and what He can do even now. Through Jesus, we can always boldly stand right where God always intended us to be.

By entering through faith into what God has always wanted to do for us—set us right with him, make us fit for him—we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that’s not all: We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand—out in the wide open spaces of God’s grace and glory, STANDING TALL and shouting our praise. Romans 5:1-2

How would singing with this type of confidence change your perspective? Whatever battle you may find yourself in—no matter how hard the fight—STAND TALL. The war is over. Surrender your battle to him and shout your praise in the face of the fight. His love never fails, and his grace never ends.

God, I claim my dependence on You today. I am choosing to lean on Jesus. That is where you intended me to be. With Jesus. With you. In this place, I can more boldly fight my battles, in this place I have hope. True hope, because you have overcome the world. Amen.