"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
The old adage that the only two things you can be sure of in life are death and taxes is not exactly true. The greatest thing that we can be sure of is the love of God. In this verse Jesus also reminds us that we can be sure that in this world we will have trouble.
Isn’t it interesting that when Jesus talks about peace, He does so in the context of trouble. While we might like to define peace in terms of relaxing in some idyllic paradise, Jesus paints an altogether more powerful image of finding peace in the storms of life. No matter what this world throws at us, no matter where we find ourselves, in Him we can have peace. True peace is found in Him and ultimate power and authority rests with Jesus.
There is no hope of peace apart from in Jesus. He is the 'Prince of peace' (Isa 9:6), He is the one about whom the angels sang at His birth, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:4) and He is the one that can speak authoritatively to the storms of your life “Peace, be still”.
Today, go to the ultimate source of shalom and find peace in Him. There is no need to strive and work to change things in order to get this peace. Simply sit in His presence, fall on His grace, rest in His love and know the provision and protection of God.
Take heart, He has overcome the world!