Take Heart
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world John 16:33
The news is filled with all kinds of things that might make you wonder what God is up to: wars, scandals, lying, fraud, bribery…the list goes on and on and on. But you know what? The Bible had all of that too.
When we see all of the bad stuff happening, it can be easy to wonder where God is. In John 16, Jesus is trying to prepare his disciples for the time after his death and resurrection when he will no longer be with them. He knows it will be tough; in verse 20 he talks about how they will be sorrowful but the world will rejoice.
He is giving them encouragement, and telling them these things so that they will have peace in him. God’s peace is a wonderful peace. Philippians 4:7 says that the peace of God surpasses all understanding; in other words, it is so much more peaceful than you can even imagine! And not only that, but Philippians goes on to say that, in Jesus, it will guard our hearts and our minds. What a wonderful peace to have!
That is the peace he is passing on to his disciples. He knows that the world is full of sorrow and trouble. The world is broken by sin just like we are.
But, through him, we can have peace, and we can take heart. Because he has overcome the world. Life may not make sense in this world, but our Lord knows all and is over all. He works everything for his glory. “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever.” (Romans 11:36) So the next time you look out and get discouraged, take heart! For Jesus has overcome this world!