Take Heart, Believer - iBelieve Truth: A Devotional for Women - July 17, 2025
“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
As I scrolled through my social media feed, I saw many of my friends posting that they were praying for the world. I turned on the local news station to learn that the United States had just bombed Iran. I watched the scene unfold and listened to the news commentators as they discussed what that meant for the country's future, and my pulse started to race. My heart beat a little faster. Countries have been embroiled in numerous conflicts over the years, but I didn't fret over them as much as I did over this one.
Perhaps it was because, in past conflicts, I was a child and didn't fully understand the ramifications. The presence of social media allows us to learn more about what's happening in the world more quickly. Violence and conflict have spread through our nation. People are angrier than ever before. It feels as if the world is turned upside down. In a sense, it feels as if God is releasing his control.
Yet, the above verse confirms otherwise. Jesus never promised the absence of conflict. He only promised that he would be with us amid that conflict. God was with Daniel when he was thrown into the den of lions. He was with Moses as he led the people through the wilderness for forty years. He was with the prophet Elijah during a severe drought and provided him with water throughout all those years. Scripture has many examples of God's presence with people amid severe persecution, conflict, and pain.
We live in a broken world. This world is not our home. This was never God's intention for his people. But he did send us here to make the world a better place. Amid anger, we need to be kind. Amid bitterness, we need to forgive. Amid hate, we need to love.
God promised there would be trouble. We can take comfort in knowing God is not surprised by this trouble. He knew before the beginning of time what would happen and when it would happen. He promised to be with us to protect us, to comfort us, to strengthen us. When the world promises pain, God promises to be with us amid that pain.
When you see what's happening in the world, how do you feel? Do you feel fearful about the future? Do you choose peace because you know God has overcome the world?
Through the pages of Scripture, God revealed what will happen to the world. Jesus will come back. Satan will be defeated. His people will be raised from the dead. We will have fellowship with him. We can have peace in knowing that that's the end of the story. We can also have peace and know that the Holy Spirit dwells within us.
He is there to guide, convict, encourage, and comfort us during the time of trial. Isn't it comforting to know that Jesus gave us an advocate, the Holy Spirit, to be with us when he couldn't? The Holy Spirit is there to guide and direct our every step. Just as he guides and directs our steps, he also guides the world's steps.
Jesus knows the end of the story. He promises to have fellowship with anyone who pursues him. Even when the news can feel daunting and overwhelming, reminding us of the state of the world, we can take heart in knowing that Jesus has overcome the world.
Let's pray:
Father, let us be people who take peace in knowing that you are with us, even though there will always be trouble in this life. Let us respond in kindness when the world spews hatred. Let us act in peaceful and humble ways when the world arrogantly wants to mock and ridicule us. Let us take solace in knowing that we can have peace during times of trouble. Jesus, you know the whole story. Help us find comfort in knowing that you have overcome the world. Amen.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/ChayTee
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If you've been feeling tired, overwhelmed, depleted, or just quietly wondering where God is in the middle of a very full life — this episode is for you. And honestly? It might be for me too, because I'm recording this in one of those seasons myself.
Today we're doing something a little different. Instead of going deep in a passage, we're talking about what to do when deep feels like too much — when you need less, not more. Specifically, I'm walking you through one of my favorite practices for weary seasons: handwriting scripture.
Not typing it. Not scrolling past it. Actually writing it out, slowly, in your own hand — because something happens in your brain when you do that. The words land differently. They go deeper. And over time, they become part of that personal library of God's voice that the Holy Spirit can pull from when you need it most. That's what Psalm 119:11 means when it says I have hidden your word in my heart — it's scripture moving into your long-term memory, where it lives and stays even when you haven't opened your Bible in weeks.
I'm sharing the five verses I wrote out for myself today — and why each one hit me fresh even though I've known some of them for years. This episode is part of our How to Study the Bible Podcast, a show that brings life back to reading the Bible and helps you understand even the hardest parts of Scripture. If this episode helps you know and love God more, be sure to follow the How to Study the Bible Podcast on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
