Telling It Like It Is
You’ve probably learned by now that I have many favorite verses and passages in the Bible. There are those I turn to for comfort and those I cherish when I need strength. So many times, I read through my morning devotions and say aloud, “Ooh, that’s a good verse” or “I need to mark that!” Often, I’ll jot the verses down in my journal so I can study them out a little more at a later time. But if I had to choose one favorite verse of Scripture, it would have to be John 16:33.
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
Let’s break it down. First off, Jesus tells the disciples why He’s sharing this passage with them—so they might have peace. It seems a bit odd since the chapter is a blend of bad and good news. Jesus would be leaving, but the Comforter would be with them. Jesus would no longer be there to teach them, but they could ask anything of the Father. They would all forsake Jesus, but He would not be alone. From good to bad, then bad to good. It doesn’t sound like the recipe for peace, does it? Neither does the next portion of the verse.
“In the world ye shall have tribulation.” Not exactly a pep talk. At this point you’re probably wondering, Why is this your favorite verse? Of all the wonderful verses in Scripture, why would you pick this one? Honestly, there are two reasons. The first one deals with the final phrase of the verse, but I also appreciate this particular portion because, unlike many of today’s philosophies, this verse doesn’t set me up for disappointment. It tells it like it is.
In the modern day of self-help and pulling oneself up by his or her bootstraps, it’s easy to become disillusioned. We’re told anyone can do anything, be anything, and have anything. And when those lofty dreams fall through, we find ourselves overcome by discouragement and depression.
Even certain Christians contribute to this disillusionment by painting the Christian life as one of ease. No worries. No troubles. No heartache or sorrow. Always happy. Living the life of our dreams without a care in the world. Once again, when our lives don’t live up to that expectation, we judge ourselves, convinced we must be doing something wrong.
Jesus cuts through all the disillusionment. No sugar coating. The truth, plain and simple. Life is hard. At times, it will be unfair. There will be storms, tears, heartaches, and questions. Some days, we will struggle to put one foot in front of the other and will possibly even consider quitting the fight. Yes, this is real life. And while it sounds grim, at least it’s the truth and doesn’t set us up to believe in something that will never be. I appreciate that! But even more, I appreciate the “but” that comes next.
“Yes, life will be hard. . .BUT. . . don’t worry about it because I have overcome the world.”
Can I get an amen? No matter how big our problems get, God is bigger. Whatever challenges we face in this life, God has already overcome them. He’s not intimidated by the things that rob us of sleep and steal our joy. He is never overwhelmed by a doctor’s report or an unexpected bill. He’s already taken care of things, and He wants us to know that. Why? So we might have peace.
Peace in the midst of the storm.
Peace when the battle is raging.
Peace when we feel like giving up.
Peace when we’re not sure if we’re coming or going.
Before we faced the first trial of this life, Jesus made us a promise. “The world will be rough, but I’ll see you through it.” And if we believe that promise and cling to it with all our heart, we’ll have less stress and more joy. Don’t be afraid. God’s got this!
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