“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, NIV

Every day contains concerns that can consume us if we’re not careful. From worrying about a sick parent or struggling child to fretting about whether we’ll pass our exams or get the job we’ve been working so hard for, it’s easy to allow stress to build like a snowball rolling down a mountainside. And aside from our personal lives, one minute spent watching the news or listening to talk radio can fill us with fear regarding the state of our nation’s economy, the various storms devastating cities around the world, or the volatile political situation in the Middle East.

Everywhere we turn there is reason to fear. But there is also reason to have hope.

This hope comes from the One who suffered an excruciating death so you could have an abundant life.

The One who was mocked and rejected by man so you could be made righteous and accepted by God.

The One who wore a crown of thorns on the cross so you could wear the crown of life in Heaven.[1]

The One who replaced the sting of death with the promise of everlasting life.

 

 

The ultimate war of the ages was won by God’s only Son over 2,000 years ago outside the gates of Jerusalem. At a place called Golgotha, “the place of the skull,” Jesus Christ gave up His Spirit as He uttered, “It is finished.” [2] And though victory over Satan’s plan to separate us from God has been secured, battles over the souls of sinners and the peace of saints still rage every day.

Jesus predicted that as the time for His return drew nearer, our enemy the devil would up his game, so to speak. Wars and rumors of wars would increase. Famines and earthquakes would occur more frequently as the world groaned for restoration.[3] The apostle Paul wrote that people would be lovers of money and self.[4] Knowing all of this, Jesus encouraged His disciples before His death, telling them that in spite of the turbulence and terrors seemingly spinning everything into chaos, they could still have peace in the world.

Why?

Because He overcame it.

Today, remember that no matter how bleak the horizon looks or disheartening the news is, no matter how hopeless a situation feels or a prognosis sounds, the Lord has overcome the world – that means everything. There is no trial too challenging, no valley too deep, and no problem too perplexing to prevent you from ever having peace.

 

Will you accept His peace today?

---