In this world, we will face tribulation, but Jesus encourages us to be of good cheer, for He has overcome the world (John 16:33). This indicates that trouble is an inevitable part of our earthly journey, a stark reminder that we are not in heaven yet.

In His prayer, often called the Lord's Prayer, Jesus teaches us to pray for God's kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10). This was essentially what God the Father did by sending Jesus, God the Son, to earth. Jesus invaded our world, demonstrating how to live victoriously, overcome challenges, and be more than conquerors through a relationship with Him.

A key element Jesus emphasizes is being joyful and having an appreciative heart. Psalm 100:4 tells us to "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise." A thankful heart naturally fosters joy. This joy is critical in overcoming tribulation. The apostle Paul reiterates this in Philippians 4:4, saying, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"

Jesus endured the cross "for the joy set before him" (Hebrews 12:2). Similarly, James encourages us to "consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance" (James 1:2-3). This perseverance strengthens our faith, enabling us to move mountains, perform miracles, and receive healing.

Trusting in Jesus' words, even when we don't see Him, is the essence of faith. Jesus promises that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). As we initially received Him by faith, we are to continue walking in that faith (Colossians 2:6). This faith in God's Word develops over time as we witness the effects of trusting and believing in Him.

When tribulation comes, we can be confident that there is a promotion or victory on the other side of the tribulation. For those without God, facing life's challenges is a daunting experience. They may have everything materially, but it will ultimately pass away. However, those with Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit in their hearts have eternal life (John 3:16). While on earth, we are more than victors through Christ Jesus, who strengthens us (Romans 8:37, Philippians 4:13).

Our connection to the omnipotent, eternal God assures us that we can do all things through Christ. Knowing Him who knows all things gives us confidence. In Jesus, it's always a win. Therefore, we pray for others to come into this relationship with God, who loves us unconditionally. This is true joy to the world, not just for a season but for all time.

Scriptures Used:

1. John 16:33: "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."
2. Matthew 6:10: "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."
3. Psalm 100:4: "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name."
4. Philippians 4:4: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"
5. Hebrews 12:2: "Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
6. James 1:2-3: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."
7. Hebrews 13:5: "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'"
8. Colossians 2:6: "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him."
9. John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
10. Romans 8:37: "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."
11. Philippians 4:13: "I can do all this through him who gives me strength."