John 16: 33 (NIV)
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.
When trouble comes knocking it doesn’t wait for us to open the door. It’s deliberate, forceful, and predictable. It will come. But this brand of trouble we face is bigger than we’d ever imagined.
The disciples had become well acquainted with inconvenience, struggle, trouble, and discomfort. They’d given up their homes, livelihoods, and families, lived with no consistent wage, endured scorn from unbelievers, and had walked with Jesus and witnessed miracle after miracle yet continued to struggle to truly understand who they followed. They were a faithful lot who accompanied a more faithful Lord. He would give them everything they needed to endure the trouble ahead. They would not be unprepared. Jesus would leave them- that reality would cause them to mourn, but they had the joy of anticipation- He would come again. Jesus attended to their needs and gave them peace ahead of the trouble. They would endure much, but peace would remind them of the promised return.
We are, today, experiencing troubling times. If we’re not receiving updates from radio or t.v. news, friends and family members send communications to let us know what’s happening in their lives and where they live. We pray for others and ourselves, but we also empathize with those who face unemployment, illness, and death. We’re grateful for what God has provided and acutely aware that others are in need. Many of us are available to do things we’ve long desired to do, but can’t leave the house without donning masks and gloves. The emotions we feel leave us exhausted and conflicted. It’s all just a lot to process and live through.
In John 14:27, we’re encouraged to know these words, “I am leaving you with a gift- peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn’t like the peace the world gives. So don’t be troubled or afraid”. In Hebrew, the word for ‘peace’ is “shalom”. It is a state of completeness, rest, contentment, serenity and security. In the midst of contrasting events, when we hear good and bad news and experience a myriad of emotions, we can remember that Christ has given us the gift of shalom. We can be of good cheer because our hope and peace is in Christ.
“Now let us re-dedicate ourselves to the long and bitter — but beautiful — struggle for a new world”. These words from the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. highlight the call to persevere. We can continue to be all that God wants us to be in the midst of these trying times. Just as Christ has given us strength to endure these trials, He has provided the safety of His presence for today and the days to come and allows us to see the beauty in the struggle. For, in the world, there’s trouble, but in Christ, there’s peace.
Prayer
Lord, Thank you that despite all that is happening in us and around us, you have been our consistent Provider, Comforter and Friend. We have the security of rest as we learn to depend on you day after day and hour by hour. Thank you for the peace that surpasses our understanding (Philippians 4:7). It reminds us that we can depend on you for everything.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
Live well,
Michele