Expecting Trouble

Read Proverbs 1

I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.

John 16:33

Everyone experiences trials and sorrows in this life. However, Jesus reminds us that these are limited to this earth only. We can “take heart” because Jesus has overcome this world, and as a result of his death and resurrection, we too know that “overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us” (Romans 8:37).

Because we have been made right with God, we can approach him in confidence. Not only did Jesus overcome the world, but we also “may have peace” in him. This is not a random promise but a theme in Scripture, as found in two powerful confirmations. The first is in John 14:27: “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” The second is found in Philippians 4:6-7: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

A WORD FOR TODAY

The world offers trouble; Jesus offers peace.

Lord, grant me peace as I endure the trials and sorrows I face, and help me to look forward in hope to the eternal glory I will share with you in heaven.