Verse: 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.”

Devotion
In John, chapters 14 – 16, Jesus is talking to his disciples about what is to come for him and he is trying to prepare their hearts for his upcoming torture, death and resurrection. He tells them that they will have the Holy Spirit with them (Chapter 14 and 16) after he is gone to guide them and to remind them of his words. Plus, he warns them that people will come against them and persecute them. He closes this time of preparation for the disciples with the verse above.

Jesus wanted them to have peace and he feels that way toward us today. The disciples were facing trials and certainly we have our share of troubles today. Notice he says we will have trouble and that we may have peace. We have to accept Jesus’ peace during times of trouble to gain that peace.

Then he says “take heart” or be of good cheer. Why? Because he has overcome the world. We can be of good cheer because Jesus has overcome the world in three areas: in his life, his death, and his resurrection. He has shown us how to live a purposeful, joyous life. As we follow his design for our lives, we can live more peaceful rather than the striving, backbiting life that the world provides. In his death, he was not afraid because he knew that his Father was waiting for him. This can give us hope and peace compared to those that do not have faith in Jesus. And in his resurrection, we saw that there is more than just this life. Whatever happens here is temporary and for a short period of time vs eternity with God.

The world steals our peace when it takes us away from God and his love and purpose for our lives. When we stay with Jesus, we can experience his peace now that we are reconciled to God through his death and resurrection. We are no longer separated from God but we are children of God. Taking that fully into our lives will give us peace no matter what comes our way.

Prayer
Thank you, Jesus, for all that you have done for us. We want to accept your peace here on earth so that we can be the light that you want us to be. Help us to look at you always instead of our problems and to draw on your peace in all things.

Author: Brad Dunn