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."

None of us faces a trouble-free life. All types of hardship crowd in upon us. We are not responsible for much of it, but we are victims of the age in which we live and the world that surrounds us. Disease threatens our vigor, if not our vitality. Threats of war rob us of security. Automation crowds us out of a job. Easy immorality sneaks up to destroy our virtue--sometimes our very life. Into this ugly picture steps our Lord Jesus Christ, who says, "Peace. You have trouble in the world. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

He understands the tribulation that is heaped upon us, for it was heaped on Him as well. The assault of humankind, the wiles of Satan, the forces of nature all conspired to bring trouble into His life. He did not complain under its burden, but He carried it victoriously. In a triumphant speech He tells us that when trouble comes, we may face it with good cheer, for He will turn it into our victory. Peace will permeate our lives again, for He has reconciled all things to Himself and orders them for our good. As Jesus went to the cross with our sins upon His shoulders and atoned for them with the shedding of His blood, He has brought to us that perfect peace that gives us eternal life.

PRAYER: Give me peace, O Lord, by trusting Your Word that You have overcome the world. Amen.

(Taken from "Words of Promise," copyright 1996, Concordia Publishing House (out of print). For information on other devotional materials, call 1-800-325-3040.)

Today's Bible Readings: Psalms 17, 19    John 9:24-41

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