John 16:33 - Living Above Your Circumstances.
John 16:33: Living Above Your Circumstances.
John 16:33 (NKJV) These things I have spoken to you, that in Me
you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be
of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
COMMENTARY PEARL
I am training you to be an overcomer - to find Joy in the
midst of circumstances that previously would have defeated you. Your
ability to transcend trouble is based on this rock-solid fact: I have
overcome the world; I have already won the ultimate victory! Nonetheless,
as I taught, you will have trouble in this world. So expect to
encounter many difficulties as you journey through life. You inhabit a
planet that is always at war, and the enemy of your soul never rests.
But don't be afraid, because He who is in you is greater than he who
is in the world. This is good reason to rejoice!
When you are in the midst of challenging circumstances, it is
crucial to keep trusting Me. Whisper "I trust You, Jesus" as often as
you need - remembering I am always near. Ask Me to help you learn
all that I have for you in this trial. Look for flowers of Joy
growing in the rich soil of adversity. The sunlight of My Face is
shining upon you, beloved. (John 16:33; 1Jo. 4:4; Psa. 145:18; Num.
6:25) [Jesus Always by Sarah Young]
COMMENTARY
Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
Colossians 3:2 (NKJV)
Our inherent tendency is to direct our lives on this earth
according to what we perceive with our five senses. The fact is, if we
have embraced Christ, our attachment to this physical world is no
longer the defining element of our existence. Jesus himself is.
The present reality of his love for us and our new life in
him must become the primary focus of our attention if we hope to
escape the clutches of darkness of this present world. No religious
activity can set us free, no matter how transcendent it might be. The
realities of heaven become the substance of our lives only when we set our
sights on him in whom our life is hidden.
LORD, help me to see with new eyes today. Instead of the
troubles of my life in this world, may I focus my vision on you, the
author and finisher of my faith, the lover and keeper of my soul. Help
me to trust in the realities of your kingdom more than I trust what
I can experience with my physical body. [Praying Through The Bible
By Fuller re Col. 3:1-3]
The things of earth get right in our face and speak to us
relentlessly. We have things to pay for, plans to arrange, people to please,
and responsibilities to deal with - all of which make our to-do
lists long and our bodies and souls tired. There's no way to avoid the
things of earth - we do actually live here, after all - but we can't be
totally preoccupied with them. They drain us of energy and resources if
we are.
What does it mean to think about the things of heaven? It
means knowing heaven's agenda: God's purposes and His ways. It means
seeking visions of Him and His plans. It means living with heaven's
values: a Kingdom culture of integrity, honor, purity, peace,
generosity, and blessing. We understand that heaven is filled with radical
worship right this moment, and we join in the praises. We learn to treat
other people as eternal beings, even if we aren't sure of their
eternal destiny - to see the treasure God has put in them rather than
the junk that comes to the surface now. And we need to know that we
are surrounded by spiritual beings: angels that minister to us and
deceptive spirits that try to seduce us. Heaven's realities are described
in Scripture, and we are fully encouraged to let them become the
realities in which we live and move and breathe.
Whatever is happening visibly in your world today is only a
fraction of your true life. The rest of the story - the most important
parts of it - are invisible to your physical eyes. But they aren't
invisible to your spirit or your thought life. Choose where to dwell, and
fill your mind with the reality of heaven. Live out its culture, its
values, its relationships, and its activities.
Spirit of God, fill my mind with heavenly thoughts. Let me
see what's truly real and really true. Help me live out my
citizenship as an influencer in Your Kingdom. [The One Year Experiencing
Gods Presence Devotional by Chris Tiegreen]
PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS
Refresh yourself in the Peace of My Presence. This Peace can
be your portion at all times and in all circumstances. Learn to
hide in the secret of My Presence, even as you carry out your duties
in the world. I am both with you and within you. I go before you to
open up the way, and I also walk alongside you. There could never be
another companion as devoted as I am.
Because I am your constant Companion, there should be a
lightness to your step that is observable to others. Do not be weighed
down with problems and unresolved issues, for I am your
burden-bearer. In the world you have trials and distress, but don't let them
get you down. I have conquered the world and deprived it of power to
harm you. In Me you may have confident Peace. (Psa. 31:19-20; John
16:33) [Jesus Calling by Sarah Young]
Trust Me in the midst of a messy day. Your inner calm - your
Peace in My Presence - need not be shaken by what is going on around
you. Though you live in this temporal world, your innermost being is
rooted and grounded in eternity. When you start to feel stressed,
detach yourself from the disturbances around you. Instead of
desperately striving to maintain order and control in your little world,
relax and remember that circumstances cannot touch My Peace.
Seek My Face, and I will share My mind with you, opening your
eyes to see things from My perspective. Do not let your heart be
troubled, and do not be afraid. The Peace I give is sufficient for you.
(John 16:33; Psa. 105:4; John 14:27) [Jesus Calling by Sarah Young]
Train your mind to think great thoughts of Me! Many
Christians are defeated by focusing mainly on less important things - the
news, the weather, the economy, loved ones' problems, their own
problems, and so on. Granted, in this world you will have trouble, but
don't let troubles become your primary focus. Remind yourself that I
am with you and I have overcome the world. I am nearer than the air
you breathe, yet I am infinite God - King of kings and Lord of
lords. I am also your loving Savior and faithful Friend.
One of the best ways to enhance awareness of My greatness is
to worship Me. This connects you with the Godhead (Father, Son, and
Spirit) in a glorious way. True worship expands My kingdom of Light in
the world, pushing back the darkness. An exquisite way to praise Me
is to read or sing the Psalms. Filling your mind with biblical
truth will help you resist discouragement. When troubles assail you,
exert yourself to think about who I am - your Savior and Friend who is
Almighty God! (John 16:33; Rev. 19:16; 1:8) [Jesus Always by Sarah
Young]
I am all around you, like a cocoon of Light. My Presence with
you is a promise, independent of your awareness of Me. Many things
can block this awareness, but the major culprit is worry. My
children tend to accept worry as an inescapable fact of life. However,
worry is a form of unbelief; it is anathema to Me.
Who is in charge of your life? If it is you, then you have
good reason to worry. But if it is I, then worry is both unnecessary
and counterproductive. When you start to feel anxious about
something, relinquish the situation to Me. Back off a bit, redirecting your
focus to Me. I will either take care of the problem Myself or show you
how to handle it. In this world you will have problems, but you need
not lose sight of Me. (Luke 12:22-31; John 16:33) [Jesus Calling by
Sarah Young]
GOOD LINK 4 ACTION STEPS DURING TIMES OF STRUGGLE
http://www.faithgateway.com/unreasonable-hope-action-steps/#.WfXpAtCnE2w
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
Most Important Decision in Life:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0
Seeking God Made Real: http://vimeo.com/31489782
Prayer Made Real: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE
LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES AND SEMINARS
Restoring The Power by John Bradshaw:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRogO1SxoZN15Boa7BMon4BouVMdteVaq
Prophecies Decoded Sermon Series:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657
Glow Tract Video Bible Studies: http://www.bibleresearch.info/
ABible.com: http://www.aBible.com
