Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39.

These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33 NKJV.

I don’t know about you, but the 2nd Scripture above is the one I struggle with the most. When I am in prayer with Creator God – Father…Son…Spirit…I am at peace – but the worries and thoughts constantly in my mind are just itching to come to the surface. For those of us who long for closeness with God, how can we not see the opposite of that closeness with Him in this world filled with tribulation of our own making? How long, Lord, will there be tribulation and its suffering in this world of children You love? And our chapter, Proverbs 9, The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. v. 10. Wisdom calls and Folly calls in this chapter. Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of insight…Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning…or…Stolen water is sweet; food eaten in secret is delicious! But little do they know that the dead are there, that her guests are deep in the realm of the dead…v. 6, 9, 17, 18.

What does Jesus tell us? The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10:10. There is my hope. Jesus came that we may have life in Him. In the midst of all tribulation and suffering in this world we have the promise of God who will never leave us. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20. Jesus never said we would cease to have tribulation in this age of men who turn away from Him. He commanded us to love the Father and trust Him just as Jesus did…and to love one another…just as Jesus does. Hope. You will always find your hope in the love of God. The beginning of wisdom and understanding so beautiful we will all of us one day be in awe!