Take Heart

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

This song by Matthew West reminds me to stay strong, confident in the fact that Jesus is with us and that He has defeated death and sin through His death and resurrection.

But I was also reminded, the first time I heard this song, that the Sacred Heart of Jesus is the heart we need to cling to. Or, even better, we should take refuge inside of It. Jesus is drawing us into His heart. Will we let ourselves be led? As we are drawn into His heart, we find peace and are comforted. Even as the angry winds of the world buffet us with all manner of pain and confusion, we will have peace in our hearts. For we know the One who overcomes the world is stronger than anything we will ever encounter. We know God’s grace, while we’re in the world, is enough. And we know that this world will never be enough. We know this is not our home. That’s why we’re seeking. But too many are so lost they don’t know what’s best for them. They don’t know that the Best is yet to come!

Everlasting life with the Lord is the absolute best. It’s coming. Believe it. Take heart. Jesus’ open Sacred Heart awaits us. He will comfort us. He will comfort you; He will hide you and keep you safe, where it really counts, in your own heart.

Here’s the Sacred Heart prayer. Why not pray it now and consider praying it each morning? See how it goes. Jesus is just waiting to hear from you. Open your heart so you can realize the Sacred Heart that yearns to bring you in and just love you.

O most holy Heart of Jesus, fountain of every blessing, I adore You, I love You, and with a lively sorrow for my sins, I offer You this poor heart of mine. Make me humble, patient, pure, and wholly obedient to Your will. Grant, good Jesus, that I may live in You and for You. Protect me in the midst of danger; comfort me in my afflictions. Give me health of body, assistance in my temporal needs, Your blessing on all that I do, and the grace of a holy death. Amen.