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MEDITATION:

Written by Debbie McDaniel, a contemporary writer.

In John 16 we find Jesus speaking to his disciples of events that would soon unfold. They needed to hear His words of encouragement and Truth more than ever, for He knew the darkness of the hour still to come. He taught them about the power of praying in His name. He told them how they would soon be scattered, but that those who belong to Him would never be alone. For God is always there, close. He reminded them that they should not be surprised at the tension they would feel in an unbelieving world.  “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace (security, safety, undisturbed, blessed state). In the world, you have tribulation (trouble, oppression, pressure, affliction), but take courage (be of good cheer, take heart), I have overcome (carried off the victory, conquered) the world.” John 16:33 

Words that have such meaning, that hold such power still today. These were some of the last words Jesus spoke to His disciples before his journey to the cross. Last words always contain rich meaning. These are important for us to hold onto today. He reminds us that only in Him can true peace be found. He reminds us that in spite of the struggles we will face in this life, we never walk alone, for He is with us. He will never abandon us in our trials or leave us to work it all out on our own. He reminds us to take courage. He reminds us He has overcome. He has won the victory, and through Christ, we too are more than conquerors. Jesus never called us to embrace the world and all it offers. But He calls us to follow Him, to be salt and light, and to walk in love. It’s a whole new day ahead. And He has plans for you, for me, to make a difference in these days, in the life of another soul, for His purposes. To be a friend. To encourage. To offer care and show compassion in a world that is broken. Praying that His huge grace, wisdom, and strength cover us today. And that in Him, we will find freedom from worry, letting go of the stress that clings too tightly, the pressing needs of tomorrow, and struggles we battle today, and fully embrace His peace. Take courage my friends…For He’s the Overcomer. And we are never alone. Peace.

PRAYER:

Written by Thomas A Kempis (1380-1471), the author of “The Imitation of Christ,” one of the most popular and best-known Christian books on devotion. 

Grant me Your grace, O most merciful Jesus, that it may be with me, and work with me, and remain with me to the very end. Grant that I may always desire and will that which is most acceptable and pleasing to You. Let Your will be mine. Let my will always follow Yours and agree perfectly with it. Let my will be one with Yours in willing and in not willing and let me be unable to will or not will anything but what You will or do not will. Grant that I may die to all things in this world, and for Your sake love to be despised and unknown in this life. Give me above all desires the desire to rest in You, and in You let my heart have peace. You are true peace of heart. You alone are its rest. Without You all things are difficult and troubled. In this peace, the selfsame that is in You, the Most High, the everlasting Good, I will sleep and take my rest. Amen.