Jesus said, "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world." John 16:33
What are "these things" that Jesus told them to give them peace?
Context - Jesus is telling His disciples that they will weep, lament, and be full of sorrow because He is going to His Father. However, He will send the Holy Spirit as a helper who will guide to the truth, and their sorrow will turn into joy that no one can take away! (John 16:5-22)
Tribulation (noun) grievous trouble, severe trial, suffering, affliction, hardship, distress
Peace (noun) the normal non-warring condition of the world; tranquility, serenity, silence, stillness, freedom from strife, freedom of the mind from annoyance, distraction, anxiety, an obsession
How can you have peace if you have tribulation? The key words here are "in Jesus."
In Jesus (A) = peace (C)
In the world (B) = tribulation (D)
Jesus has overcome the world. A > B
Overcome (verb) to conquer, to defeat, to overpower, to beat, to get the better of a struggle or conflict
Thus, logically speaking, if A > B, then C > D...so, if A = C, then A > D as well.
"Take heart" = hope, cherish, count on, believe, expect, cheer up, refresh, renew, brighten
In other words, if Jesus has defeated the tribulations in the world, and if we are in Jesus, then that means, even though we will have tribulations in the world, our peace in Jesus will win the battle with the enemy! Praise the Lord!
Joy that no one can take away?
Is joy an emotion of happiness?
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." The Declaration of Independence by Congress, July 4, 1776.
The key words here are "the pursuit of happiness."
Pursuit (noun) an effort to secure or attain; quest
Pursue (verb) to follow, to chase, to seek
Is happiness attainable? We may attain happiness, but only temporarily and we are always pursuing it again, even if for but a moment.
So if joy is something we can have that no one can take away, then, logically speaking, joy does not equal happiness.
Is joy a state of being, a state of contentment?
"Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." Nehemiah 8:10
"Rejoice in the Lord always...do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:4-7
"What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me - practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:9
"I have learned to in whatever situation I am to be content... I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:11-13
Does this joy that Jesus is talking about mean peace?
So, if no one can take away our joy in the Lord, then that means that no one can take away our peace!
Thank you Lord for your comfort, your strength, and your peace. Amen.
