“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NLT). Those words of truth were spoken by the One, who Himself, is truth, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He spoke those words nearly two thousand years ago to His little band of followers. His statement assured them of the reality of the tribulations that are bound to come in this life. He was also assuring them of a greater reality. The greater reality is that Jesus has the power to overcome, indeed has overcome every trouble this world throws in our path.
The trials we face can easily rob us of our peace. It seems that when trouble comes, Satan comes right along with it. He is always looking for an opportunity to steal from us that which God has given us. That is the very nature of his evil character. Jesus described this villain when He said this about the devil. “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy…” (John 10:10 NLT). Jesus also exposed the character of our arch enemy in unmistakable terms. “…he has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44 NLT).
The One who loves us and gave His life because of that great love speaks words of reality and truth. Our Lord promises and provides peace in the midst of our storms. In these present perilous times it is essential for us to trust completely in the One who is the Prince of Peace. The One who commanded the wind and the waves on Lake Galilee to be still is the only One who can speak peace to the storms that blow into each of our lives. Right now be still and receive His peace.
— Terry A. Morrison