Cheer Up!
Today’s Verse:
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
One of our greatest needs is encouragement. We must be people who are capable of giving encouragement, but also able to recognize when we need encouragement. On the eve when He would be betrayed and crucified, our Lord gave to His followers a strong word of encouragement. He told them, “Be of good cheer.” You will have affliction and trouble, but cheer up. Whether you are facing trouble today, or maybe heading into trouble, our Lord encourages us in the same way: be of good cheer!
We see the calamities.
“In the world ye shall have tribulation....” Tribulation is a certainty. It’s not a matter of if we will have trouble, but when the trouble will come. Tribulation is stressful. The word for tribulation refers to a heavy object pressing down on another object below it. Words synonymous with tribulation include affliction, suffering, and trouble. Jesus said that in the world we will have tribulation. The world is hostile to our beliefs. The world hates us because of our beliefs. The world we live in does not want God’s Word as absolute truth. If you sincerely plan to live for Christ, you will have trouble from this world.
We see the conquering.
“I have overcome the world.” The word overcome in Greek is “nikao.” We get our word Nike from it. Nike was the Greek goddess of victory. The Greeks believed that victory and conquering was only possible through their idol gods. In using this word, Jesus, with absolute authority, makes it clear that He, the Son of God, has overcome this world. He has overcome as its Creator. He has overcome through His cross. Jesus, through His death, destroyed the works of the devil. Through His shed blood, He enables us to overcome the devil. He has overcome the world as King. He is the King of the ages, the King of kings, and the King of righteousness.
We see the calm.
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace.” We have peace through our Lord Jesus and in our Lord Jesus. Peace is not in any substance: it is only through our Savior. Peace is not in contracts: it is only in Christ. Peace is not in the world: it is only through His Word. “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” Peace is not in the tricks and deceptions of this world: it is only found by trusting in the Lord. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Peace is only available through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
We see the confidence.
“But be of good cheer....” Cheer up! The world might hate you, but be of good cheer, God loves you! Things are looking darker, but be of good cheer: Jesus is the Light of the world! The spirit of the antichrist is blinding the minds of those who believe not, but be of good cheer: the light of the glorious gospel can open blinded hearts and minds. We are in the eleventh hour, but be of good cheer: the Bridegroom is coming for His bride! Jesus has overcome this world. "This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith." Whatever pressure you are experiencing, be of good cheer. Align your praying with His priority so that your joy might be full (v. 24). Be of good cheer because greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.
Have a cheerful God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Judges 10-12