40 Days of PEACE

Dr Jim Brown's TruNorth Devotional
40 Days of PEACE
Day 26 | YOU MAY HAVE PEACE | John 16:33

YOU MAY HAVE PEACE

John 16:33
“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

Jesus was speaking these words to his disciples at an unlikely time… after the last supper and after Judas left to help scheme with the Pharisees to later arrest Jesus.

Jesus had been talking to the disciples, trying to prepare them for what was coming: the arrest, betrayals, his death, and the coming resurrection.

It’s noteworthy that Jesus told his disciples that “in Me you MAY have peace.”  He didn’t promise peace, but rather said they “MAY have peace.”  He is teaching them that IN HIM, they can find peace.  He seems to also be implying that it is possible to follow Jesus without receiving the PEACE that He promises His followers.

And although we MAY have peace, Jesus taught that “in the world you WILL have tribulation.”
Peace is OFFERED to us, but tribulation is PROMISED. And although no one wants to hear these truths, understanding removes false hope.

I often say to folks who are struggling or watching their friends struggle, that, “This world is not our home, we’re just a passin’ through.”  We can’t expect things here to be problem-free as they will be in heaven.

Then Jesus goes on to say, “But be of good cheer!  I have overcome the world.”

When Jesus wanted to strengthen and comfort his disciples, He spoke of HIS victory.  He didn’t give them a “cheer-up” or “try-harder” pep rally.  Jesus knew that HIS victory would be theirs too.
Knowing that Jesus has “overcome the world” should bring us “good cheer” IF our foundation for peace is IN HIM.

Prayer: LORD, I am ever so thankful that YOU have overcome the Enemy of our faith and have paved the way for us to follow.  Help me to live peacefully and cheerfully knowing that YOU have overcome this broken world.  Amen.