Take Heart!

I am coming to remember again how important it is to be still before God; to take time each day to rest in him. And in that peace allow God to prepare your heart for whatever lies ahead.
It's so easy to get distracted, especially when things are going fine. But next thing you know, you get sideswiped, ready or not. You might react with woe, anger or fear; or you might be able to handle it with grace and patience, because you let God get you ready.
Jesus said, "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." (John 16:33)
Even Jesus knew trouble was inevitable. And he offered hope. But it's easier to 'take heart' and trust God if I am practicing the presence of God every day. I have to do my part so God can do his part.
It's funny how we get mad at God for 'letting bad things happen'; and all the while he wanted to ready us, knowing what was coming. But we didn't take the time.
"Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD." (Psalm 27:14) There seems to be a causality: we can be strong and take heart if we take time each day to wait for the Lord. He usually doesn't tell us what's coming, but we really can trust that he is getting us ready for the day; getting us ready to trust him whatever may come.