Todd Johnson
Family Pastor
John 16:33
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Have you noticed that the more you strive to live for Christ, the harder life seems to be? Why is that? Many of us were taught some untruths when we were young. You may have been told that if you give your life to Christ, everything will be wonderful, and you will spend eternity with Him. Well, being a believer in Jesus will give you eternity with Him, but being a Christian is one of the hardest lives you can try to live while on earth. I gave my life to Jesus when I was 9 years old but really didn’t make him the Lord of my life until I was in junior high. The last 40 years have been a roller coaster of emotional and painful experiences. It has also been some of the most rewarding times of my life.
I love this verse because it reminds me that in knowing Christ as my Savior, I have peace. It is a peace that passes all understanding. It was a peace that poured over me when I watched my wife breathe her last breath. It was a peace that comforted me when I saw my son lying lifeless on the football field after a hard hit. It was also a peace that warmed my heart when I got the phone call that my youngest son gave his life to Jesus. The second part of this verse tells us that you WILL have tribulation in this life, it will be difficult at times. Don’t stop reading there though, those last few words, “I have overcome the world!” WOW!! The Lord is reminding us that He has already overcome all the hate and evil that is present today. This is a truth that I have to go to often because it is easy for me to get caught up in the horrible things I see every day on the news or what is going on right here in Clarksville.
I don’t know what is going on in your life right now, but God does, and He cares deeply about you. Let Him hold you and cover you in His peace that passes all understanding. It is OK to be hurt, mad, or sad, just don’t forget that He has defeated the enemy in the end, and this is your temporary home. Hold on to His peace and let that comfort you today.