SCRIPTURE: John 16:25-33
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.” (John 16:33)
When our kids were young, we moved from one province to another.
We explained to them as best we could what was going to happen.
For a time we would be homeless, but soon we would settle into our new home and community.
We knew it would be unsettled for a time, a time of change and adjustment.
We told them in advance so that in this time of ‘trouble’, they would have some peace.
They could trust that the process, as hard as it was, was working according to a plan.
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Jesus is talking about something much bigger, much more unsettling and complicated.
But He is assuring them that He is still in control, things are unfolding according to the Plan.
The world may seem to have the upper hand (trouble), but He has overcome the world.
This is my Father’s world, O let me ne’er forget,
That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.
Life is filled with all kinds of trouble.
As hard as things get, as unsettled or uncertain as they may appear, God still has things in hand.
In those moments, close your eyes, remind yourself that God is still in control.
Breathe deep and experience God’s nearness leading you through this valley of death’s shadow…
To a place prepared for you, where you will dwell with God forever!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, help me not to be surprised when things get hard. But even more, help me not to be defeated. Remind me that You have already won, that it’s only a matter of time. Strengthen my heart with Your peace.
Observation/Application
Jesus is forewarning what is about to happen and at the same time revealing His relationship to the Father so that His disciples would not feel abandoned. He would be with them. They saw that He came from God. And yet . . . although their eyes were opened to this new confidence, they would run when Jesus was taken captive. Never alone.
Jesus was never alone.
And so we too are never alone.
Our Father watches over us
and He is victorious.
Always
in all things
turn our /my heart toward home
for He is there with open arms.
This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears
All nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world: I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;
His hand the wonders wrought.