[Jesus said] "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33 NIV).
We know that there is trouble in this world. We see it all around us. We hear of it all the time. We experience it in our own lives and in the lives of those we love. There seems to be no place in this world where we can rest and be safe. Jesus said it, "In this world you will have trouble."
Schools are filled with students and teachers who are having troubles with their families, with their jobs, with their schoolwork, and with each other. Children could once feel safe in school. Now, metal detectors, security guards, and random searches give the impression of safety. Remember, Jesus said, "I have overcome the world."
Shopping centers have become places of caution. Ladies guard their purses. Children are always kept near. We regularly hear of purse- snatching, car-jacking, armed robberies, and senseless shootings in places where once we went about our business carefree and without reservation. Remember, Jesus said, "I have overcome the world."
Homes are troubled places. Husbands are restless and angry. Wives are discouraged and longing for attention. Husbands are tired and lonely. Wives have empty hearts and weary spirits. Children are longing for boundaries and love. Instead of being a safe haven from the world, our homes are often deadly battlegrounds. Remember, Jesus said, "I have overcome the world."
Churches are not immune. Battle lines are being drawn over tradition, style, technique, and opinion. Instead of places of refuge, churches are too often places of turmoil and division while the lonely and weary come seeking peace and go away empty and disappointed. Remember, Jesus said, "I have overcome the world."
War. Political conflict. Greed. Selfishness. Anger. Hatred. Rage. Lust. Death. Destruction. Sin. Remember, Jesus said, "I have overcome the world."
There is trouble in the world. We know that. But, Jesus said, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." This is the good news of the season. This is good news for all seasons.
Jesus said, "I have overcome the world." Take heart.
