John 16:33
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.
My understanding of this verse is that John is quoting Christ. He shares this promise that in this world I will have tribulation. He told me this that I may have peace. How can I have peace when I am told that I will have tribulation (trial: an annoying or frustrating or catastrophic event)*? I pondered this concept. How would knowing that all people will have tribulation bring peace? One of the interesting emotions that I felt as my memories returned was the feeling of being alone, isolated, left out of God's grace because of the trials I had as a child. If you are totally messed up before you even begin adult life how can this bring peace? "In the world ye shall have tribulation:" implies that I was not singled out. I am not alone in my tribulation. Every person on this planet is going to have trials. I am not isolated. I am not left out of God's grace. John reassures us that Christ said, "Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." In an early post With God all things are possible, I wrote about my faith in Christ making it possible to do all things. Combining the 2 concepts, I will have trials but I can be of good cheer and feel peace since I know that Christ has overcome all things. Through my faith I can put my trust in Christ that I can overcome all things with Him. Promises of peace, encouragement of good cheer for Christ is my redeemer. I do not yet feel His peace all the time, but I am starting to feel His peace some of the time. A moment here or perhaps at another time I am feeling peace in my heart and gratitude for my Savior, Jesus Christ. In time, I hope to have His peace with me always.
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