To have peace

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33

If you want to have real peace, our Lord's words here indicate that we need to believe the things he is teaching us here in order to get there. First of all, we need to understand that "in the world ye shall have tribulation." If we think that being a follower of Jesus means that we will become instantly immune from the trials of life, then we are going to be severely disappointed. Indeed, our faith is likely to break. We will certainly have no peace. For the reality is that "we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22). God has ordained that his children follow his Son, and so as Jesus our Lord "for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame," so must we also take a cross before we enjoy the victory he achieved by his death for us "and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Heb. 12:2).

Second, we can "be of good cheer" for our Lord has "overcome the world." The tribulation which the world gives us is only for a time. All the trials and the suffering that we must endure in the present has been overcome by Christ; indeed, "we are more than conquerors through him that loved us" (Rom. 8:37). One day we will pass from this present evil world, and if we belong to Christ we will enter with him into glory. And as the hymn puts it, "Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal." All tears will be wiped away, and we will experience unabated happiness and peace and comfort and joy in the presence of and in fellowship with God.

My friend, get your peace from the sure promise of Christ. Place your hopes in the age to come. Don't be a muck-raker, but look to heaven and anticipate your final and eternal victory through Jesus. If you do so, you will find peace and be of good cheer.