There is a lot of anxiety floating around these days as people experience job loss, house depreciation and the threat of financial collapse in our country. I too am facing the possibility that my husband could be without work.
As I was praying the Lord spoke to my heart from John 16. In this chapter
Jesus was talking with the disciples and preparing them for things to come. He was telling them that things were going to change, because He would be going back to His Father. He told them not to worry, because He would send a friend, the Holy Spirit to guide them.
He instructed them that they would feel the pain of the transition, like a woman in childbirth, but as soon as the baby arrived the anguish would be forgotten and there would be unspeakable joy.
He said, “I've told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world." MSG
Some translations use the word tribulation when speaking of difficult times. That word means: pressing or pressing together as in pressing grapes. In our country and the world, we are in a time of pressing. But after the grapes have been pressed and everything that can be shaken is shaken, what remains is fruit in a new form. As we are pressed we have everything to do with whether we become something that is bitter or a sweet and delectable wine.
As we walk through difficult seasons that produce anxiety and fear, we need to remember that we have the Holy Spirit who is with us to guide us, comfort and lead us into all peace. No matter what we are facing the Lord is mindful of our struggles and as we look and cling to Him, He wants to be our peace. That is why He said, “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 6:33 NAS
