READ:
John 16:25-33
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.
-John 16:33
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Isaiah 32-33
Colossians 1
In C.S. Lewis’ book, God in the Dock, he wrote: “Imagine a set of people
all living in the same building. Half of them think it is a hotel, the
other half think it is a prison. Those who think it a hotel might regard
it as quite intolerable, and those who thought it was a prison might
decide it was really surprisingly comfortable.” Lewis cleverly used this
contrast between a hotel and a prison to illustrate how we view life
based on our expectations. He says, “If you think of this world as a
place intended simply for our happiness, you find it quite intolerable;
think of it as a place of training and correction and it’s not so bad.”
Sometimes we expect that life should be happy and pain-free. But this is
not what the Bible teaches. For the believer, this world is a place of
spiritual development through both good times and bad. Jesus was
realistic when He explained what to explain in life. He told His
disciples, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good
cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). In facing life’s
blessings and bruises, we can have inner peace that God is orchestrating
events according to His sovereign plan.
Christ’s presence in our lives enables us to “be of good cheer” even in the midst of pain. – Dennis Fisher
He whose heart is kind beyond all measure
Gives unto each day what He deems best –
Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest. – Berg
In the midst of troubles, peace can be found in Jesus.
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