No Jesus, No Peace!

“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)

What were the things Jesus told them? Jesus said so much to His disciples that it would be time consuming to try to explain them all, but if we start at verse nineteen, Jesus sensed the questions they were about to ask Him and He answered them before they spoke. He told them in a little while they would not see Him, but a while after that, they would. How confusing is that?

Seeing their confusion, He used the birth of a child and the pain the mother experiences and the pain she forgets because of the joy of seeing her baby. Jesus reminded them that He had been speaking to them about certain things figuratively, but the time would come would He would speak, literally and they would understand. He was trying to prepare them for His arrest, crucifixion, and ultimate resurrection. After His resurrection, they would ask whatever they wanted from God in Jesus' name and they would have it. But with the benefits also came responsibility and in the world, He warned, we (His disciples by faith) would have trouble, but He would be with us and therefore we can have peace in the midst of trouble.

Do we really believe this--there is peace with Jesus?
When we are scorned and ridiculed because of our faith, do we have peace within?
When we experience hardships and grieve over the loss of loved ones, do we have peace within?
When we experience angst on our jobs or in our homes, do we have peace within?

If we are not able to experience peace in the midst of the trials we face, do we really have Jesus in our lives and do we really believe what He said?
The world is in chaos and much confusion and that confusion and chaos is a result of there being no peace in the hearts of those who refute and deny Jesus!
If we want to see peace in the land, we must promote Jesus!
If we want to see peace in our homes, we must establish Jesus as our source of peace!
If we want to see peace in the world, we must pray that all will receive Jesus as their Personal Savior and rest in His peace!

We can enjoy peace within as long as He reigns within our hearts. No Jesus, No Peace!