I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus spoke many truths, but He knew His followers would especially need reassurance after His departure. He wanted them—and us—to remember that despite the trials and challenges we face daily, He has already triumphed over every obstacle. His victory over sin, death and the powers of darkness secured our friendship with God and promised the presence and power of the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen us. This grace enables us not only to face temptation but to overcome it. As we walk through the ups and downs of life, we can rest fully assured in Christ’s victory. Let us embrace that victory this week with confidence and joy.
Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me. (Psalm 50:14-15)
Psalm 50 reminds us that God doesn’t need anything from us. But what delights His heart is our thanksgiving in good times and our dependence in difficult ones. When we give thanks, we acknowledge His goodness. When we call on Him in trouble, we honour His power and love. In both, we glorify Him. Jesus said the same in Matthew 5:16—we glorify God through lives of visible goodness, shaped by Him. But what does it really mean to glorify God?
Dallas Willard described it this way: To glorify God means to think and act in such a way that the goodness, greatness, and beauty of God are constantly obvious to ourselves and all those around us. It means to live in such a way that when people see us they think, Thank God for God, if God would create such a life. What can you do today to make God’s goodness more visible to others?
