The haze of disorder, discord, and chaos seems to be looming large over our society of late.
It has left a foul taste in the mouths of many and brought even more heightened emotions as to the future.
Yet, for those who belong to the Lord Jesus, those who are called by His name, there is comfort and security even in the midst of the unknown, the unexpected, the undesirable.
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. John 16:33
One can ask, "What things?"
Jesus was giving instruction and a promise, for His time to die had come. (The whole chapter is well worth reading.)
John 16:1-16 KJV
These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you. But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou? But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart. Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they believe not on me; of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.
Chapter 17 records a beautiful prayer of the Lord's.
There's no better time than right now for the followers of Jesus to be reminded of these truths.
He told the disciples they would have tribulation, and it has been true for every generation since.
And in those words is the promise which makes it all worthwhile.
"I have overcome the world." John 16:b
God's truth cuts through the haze and proclaims the victory over sin and death, while granting peace to those who trust in Him.
John 14:27 KJV — Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word! Thank You for all that You have promised in Your Word and how much You love each and every one of us. Lord Jesus, please place a hedge of protection around those who are in danger due to Your Word and walk daily with the knowledge of their peril because of Your name. Lord Jesus, please teach us to trust You in all things, not trying to do things in our own strength, but rather walking in Your ways continually. Lord, please protect the innocent and the helpless, for they are the ones harmed first and most often. Lord, thank You that we can look to Your Word and rest in the assurance that nothing of what is occurring has gone unnoticed by You, but rather it is Your great mercy which stays the judgement. Lord, please grant us the opportunities to reach those who have yet to know You. Please gird up those who do know You, that they might be ready and willing to step in and share what they know to be true. Lord, let us not be lazy nor apathetic towards those hurting around us, especially when we have the truth of Your salvation. Lord, thank You for all You have done and are doing. Thank You for the way You reach out and encourage us through Your Word. Lord, please help Your people to look to Your Word first and most often for every part of life. Lord, may we never forget the incredible lengths You have gone to just to save us from our own sin. I love You Jesus. Thank You for first loving me. Amen.
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