John 16:33 “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.”

Jesus told His disciples about the difficulties and grief they would face but that joy would be coming after (John 16:22). We are encouraged that in Jesus, we may have peace. True peace is available in Him, differentiated from the kind the world gives.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

But while Jesus offers this special kind of peace, our experiencing it is our choice, an act of the will to seek it and intentionally avail ourselves of it. His Word is available to us to hear and hear and hear. But whether we apply it, meditate on it, and live it is our choice. Our surrender is needed. Our rest in His peace is needed.

“In this world you will have trouble”. No doubt. No rose garden promises. There will be some kind of struggle, suffering, temptation on this side of heaven. Jesus does not give any false security. Like a good tour guide, He tells it like it is, informing us of what is ahead, no false advertising promotions.

But His assurance to us is that He has overcome the world. Victory is in Him, peace is in Him. All things have been placed under His feet (Eph 1:22a). In Him, we are more than conquerors.

Rom 8:37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

So today, if you are experiencing trouble, do not be surprised. Trouble is a given. Do not be afraid (John 14:27b). In Jesus, you may have peace.