Be of Good Cheer

When I read this beautiful verse from John 16, I felt that it was something that needed no further explanation. It speaks of the certainty of ‘tribulation and trials and distress and frustration’, in this world. It’s a given. Tough things will come your way if you’re a citizen of planet earth – even when, and may I say, especially, when you’re a Christian, loving and serving the Lord Jesus.

Jesus Himself was never insulated from difficulties. He had to deal with frustrating people like the religious leaders. He knew what it was to be tired after ministering to the needy multitudes. He understood the pain of loss and rejection. Isaiah 53 is a description of what He ultimately faced on the cross at the end of His life here on earth. He understands ‘tribulation and trials and distress and frustration’.

But then, in John 16:33, Jesus tells us to ‘be of good cheer, take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted’, because He has already overcome the world and deprived it of power to harm us. He has conquered it for us. I feel like this is the perfect place to say, “Amen!” It is not as complicated as we would sometimes make it.

Trouble will come, but Jesus has already deprived it of power to cause us eternal harm by offering us the gift of eternal life, through Him. If we abide under the shadow of the Almighty (Psalm 91:1), we can be certain that the Lord will shield us when we take refuge in Him (Psalm 18:30). Now that’s great news.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness in my life. Thank You that You truly understand the difficulties I face in my daily walk and that I can be more than a conqueror because of Jesus. Thank You that Your presence is a safe place for me to take refuge. Amen.