Hastings: Hope in times of trouble

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” — Jesus in John 16:33 New International Version

As I watch the violence unleashed in the world, my heart aches for those who are suffering and dying. And I look for signs of hope in the midst of trouble. One passage that comes to mind is Jesus’ words (above) to his followers shortly before his own rejection, torture and execution.

Spoken by one who knew he would soon go through one of life’s most difficult experiences, Jesus’ words are a triumphant statement of faith. His words embody the audacity of faith — the spiritual truth that no experience in earthly life can separate one from true and lasting joy.

From the get-go, Jesus knew rejection. Since birth he wore the label of “mamzer” — an outcast in Jewish culture and faith because his paternity was uncertain. Barred from formal religious education, he learned from his parents at home and from John the Baptist, a non-conformist to the monetized religious system.

After John was beheaded, the masses were attracted to Jesus’ teaching, healing and deliverance. But religious leaders who lacked such power and authenticity sought to get rid of him. When he spoke the above words, Jesus knew their green-eyed jealousy had turned to red-eyed murder.

Jesus showed his followers the way to overcome evil, violence and trouble: by doing good and focusing on the joy that is always present and outlasts trouble. The temporary nature of trouble, he said, was like a woman giving birth to a child; she has pain but soon moves beyond it because of the joy of bringing a new life into the world.

Violence, suffering and trouble in the human experience are temporary while the spiritual reality of hope, joy and peace is always present, powerful and enduring. May the power of the wounded healer’s Spirit cleanse and heal the earth and its people of violence and bring hope, joy and peace to new birth in the world.

The Rev. Celia M. Hastings has a master's degree in religious education from Western Theological Seminary in Holland. She is author of “The Wisdom Series” and “The Undertaker’s Wife.”

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Hastings: Hope in times of trouble