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 NIV
The Greek word thlipsis, translated here as 'trouble', is sometimes rendered tribulation. The word communicates a sense of feeling pressure and being hemmed in with no options. I can relate to that kind of trouble. Sometimes life has a way of hemming us in. People and events can pressure us to conform to the image of this world. This is trouble.
In response Jesus speaks to us of peace and overcoming. In times of trouble peace can be so hard to find. Religious clichés do not bring it. Nothing external seems to comfort our minds when pressures come. Yet often, in the midst of gut wrenching times, something rises up from within and helps us overcome and find peace in the midst of the storm.
Come Holy Spirit. We take heart that you are with us. Lead us in paths that lead to peace.
... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on words in the bible.
amen my friend
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