In this world you will have trouble…ain’t that the truth!  But it’s a reality we like to try to avoid, deny or mask.  How do we find peace for our troubled and fearful hearts in a world of trouble? Take heart!

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 16:33

take heart – tharseo (G2293) – to have courage; to be of good courage; boldness. From the root word, tarsus (G2294) meaning cheerful mind; courage, confidence.  See also tharrheo (G2292) (another form of word) meaning to exercise courage, be confident, be full of hope and confidence.

We’ve been talking in this series about our “gap moments” .  How there is a moment of time, a gap, when we are faced with a difficult or fearful situation where we have a moment to choose our response or to simply react, letting our emotions have full vent.  This week in class, we looked at three women who all faced unknown, uncertain and fearful situations and futures.  What can learn from their stories about “taking heart” —being courageous, confident and full of hope in the midst of fear, uncertainty and the unknown?…continue reading