Taking Heart in Uncertainty

by Drew DeVries

I’ll be honest — the world feels pretty uncertain to me these days. Every time I scroll through the news, there’s something new to worry about. I tell myself not to get caught up in it, but sometimes that’s easier said than done. Whether it’s the economy, politics, health, or just the feeling that everything moves faster than I can keep up with, it’s easy to wonder what’s really steady anymore. That’s when I come back to something Jesus said in John 16:33: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” I’ve read that verse plenty of times before, but lately it’s been hitting closer to home. I notice that Jesus doesn’t tell us to ignore our problems or pretend they aren’t real. He just reminds us that He’s already overcome them.

During Lent, I’m trying to hold onto that truth. Lent isn’t exactly cheerful—it’s a time to slow down, to look honestly at our hearts, and to remember the cost of the cross. But maybe it’s also a season that helps us steady our faith when everything else feels shaky. The same Jesus who spoke those words still speaks them to us today. So even when I feel uncertain, I’m learning that “taking heart” doesn’t mean being fearless—it means trusting that the One who overcame the world is still in control of mine.