John 16:33 (NASB) "These things I have 
spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In 
the world you have tribulation, but take 
courage; I have overcome the world."  

INTRODUCTION

Courage grows from the presence of Christ. 
Jesus summed up all he had told them this night, 
tying together themes from 14:27-29; 16:1-4; and 
16:9-11. With these words he told his disciples to 
take courage. In spite of the inevitable 
struggles they would face, they would not be alone. 
Jesus does not abandon us to our struggles either. 
If we remember that the ultimate victory has 
already been won, we can claim the peace of Christ 
in the most troublesome times. [Life 
Application SB] 

COMMENTARY PEARL

Nothing could be more verifiable:  In the 
world you will have trouble!  We have trouble with 
our health, marriage, children, career, 
finances, even in our Christian walk, and the list 
goes on forever!  How in the world can we have 
peace?  This scripture clearly shows that peace and 
troubles can go together!  But how, you say? The key 
is knowing that God is in complete control of 
everything and that troubles in our life very often 
cause us to seek Him more.  "In Me" suggests that 
there is a place of refuge, a place of peace, even 
in the midst of real life problems.  How can we 
be found "in Him?"  If you want to be in 
Seattle, and you are not there, you must go there.  
Take steps in that direction.  The same applies 
to the peace of being in Him.  If you are 
searching for peace in the midst of the storm of life, 
spend time reading His word; speak often and long 
to Him; listen for His still, small voice of 
comfort.  And peace will come!  [In His Time; Walk 
With Wisdom] 

COMMENTARY

   Coming to know the Lord at thirteen was a 
turning point in my life. The adolescent years were 
filled with deep grief and turmoil for me as our 
family faced life with my father, who was an 
abusive alcoholic. Each day as I was learning 
everything I could about a heavenly Father, I had to 
face my worldly father. There were times when the 
alcohol and abuse seemed too much to bear, and those 
days of trial and tribulation were 
extraordinarily difficult. 
   One day while reading my Bible, I came 
upon John 16:33. I remember weeping as I 
experienced a sense of the Lord's presence. At that very 
moment, God revealed to me that through him I could 
have peace in all things and that although we 
live in a fallen world, I could have joy through 
him because the world has no power over God. He 
has overcome the world. He is the conqueror, 
defeater, and deliverer, and he reigns over all 
things. That Scripture verse carried me through my 
high school days until I left home to find 
healing. God used it to give peace to my heart during 
my toughest days. 
   Oh yes, and this is no small thing: My 
earthly father now serves the God who reigns over 
the world. He never misses church on Sunday. 
   Tina Samples is a music therapist, 
worship minister, speaker, singer-songwriter, 
pastor's wife, and mother of two boys. [The One Year 
Bible Live Verse Devotional] 

   My discomfort in life is magnified when I 
think that I shouldnt have certain struggles 
because Im a Christian. An unexpected household 
expense sends me reeling with financial anxiety. My 
husbands grumpiness triggers the martyr in me. I 
scream at my kids over something trivial. Wont I 
ever change? Even that thought is extreme.  
   The reality is, Jesus Himself told us 
wed have problems (John 16:33), but the sweet 
luxury we have as Christians is to choose to bring 
all our feelings to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). 
We Christians have the same problems as 
everyone else, but the solution is different: Jesus. 
With Jesus we can focus on the fact that we have 
His mind (1 Corinthians 2:16) and His power, 
love, and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7). Through 
praise, prayer, and gratitude, we can enjoy rest and 
peace (Philippians 4:6"7).  
   Sometimes I remain still enough to tune 
into the reality that in Jesus, Im safe and 
secure. I admit that I often find that peace only 
when Ive reached the end of my rope and my way 
isnt working. In that moment of failure or 
disappointment, Jesus is there, as He always is. When Im 
in Christ, I realize the work has already been 
done. I dont have to be afraid. Jesus has 
overcome the world. I can take heart, find rest, and 
receive all I need from Him. by Isabella Yosuico  
   Faith Step: Today, choose to focus on 
Jesus and His completed work. Receive the grace 
that you so desperately need and want. [Mornings 
With Jesus 2020 Devotional by Guideposts and 
Zondervan] 

   Studies have found that 85 percent of the 
things we worry about never happen. This means that 
of all the things youre worrying about right 
now, 85 percent of it wont happen. But what 
about the other 15 percent? Well, the Lord will be 
with you in your time of difficulty. 
   God has not promised that well live in 
a pain-free world. Jesus said, Here on 
earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But 
take heart, because I have overcome the world 
(John 16:33 NLT). We need to face facts. Loved 
ones are going to die, and hardship will come 
into our lives. 
   But here is the good news: we live in the 
land of the dying, but we are headed to the land 
of the living. Yes, death will come, but we 
have this promise from Jesus: Dont be 
afraid! I am the First and the Last. I am the living 
one. I died, but look - I am alive forever and 
ever! And I hold the keys of death and the 
grave (Revelation 1:17"18 NLT). Im so glad 
that He holds the keys. If I had the keys, they 
wouldve been lost for years now. 
   Someone asked me not long ago what the 
most spiritual moment of my life was. In other 
words, when was the time in my life when I felt 
Gods presence more than any other? I had to think 
about it. And then I realized the most spiritual 
moment of my life, the moment when I felt the 
presence of God more than any other, was when I heard 
the news that my son Christopher had died, and 
God was there. 
   We can rejoice in the fact that God is in 
control. He will be with us, giving us what we need, 
when we need it. [Greg Laurie from Harvest 
Ministries; https://www.harvestdaily.com] 

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

   Learn to live above your circumstances. 
This requires focused time with Me, the One who 
overcame the world. Trouble and distress are woven 
into the very fabric of this perishing world. 
Only My Life in you can empower you to face this 
endless flow of problems with good cheer. 
   As you sit quietly in My Presence, I 
shine Peace into your troubled mind and heart. 
Little by little, you are freed from earthly 
shackles and lifted up above your circumstances. You 
gain My perspective on your life, enabling you to 
distinguish between what is important and what is not. 
Rest in My Presence, receiving Joy that no one 
can take away from you. (John 16:33; 16:22) 
[Jesus Calling by Sarah Young] 

   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] 

   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] 

CLOSING THOUGHT

   God has kept no secrets. He has told us 
that, while on this yellow brick road [of life], 
we will experience trouble. Disease will 
afflict bodies. Divorce will break hearts. Death 
will make widows and devastation will destroy 
countries. We should not expect any less. But just 
because the devil shows up and cackles, we needn't 
panic. 
   Our Master speaks of an accomplished deed 
... "It is finished" (John 19:30). The battle is 
over. Be alert. But don't be alarmed ... The 
manuscript has been published. The book has been bound. 
Satan is loosed for a season, but the season is 
oh-so-brief ... Just a few more scenes, just a few more 
turns in the road, and his end will come. [Grace 
For The Moment SB By Max Lucado] 

LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY

John 16:33 - Genuine Peace is Found in a 
Relationship with Jesus Christ! 

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2023/20230225-0853.html 

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

https://abible.com/links/