In one of his final teachings to his disciples Jesus said this:
“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.”—John 16:33 (NASB)
This is a promise we need to breathe in. We need to let it take root in our soul and allow it to transform us. Martin Luther said of these words from John 16:33, “Such a saying as this is worthy to be carried from Rome to Jerusalem on one’s knees.” It is a promise that we should never let out of our grasp.
But we do. We forget it so often. We look at the struggles in this life and so often we think they are ours alone to bear. Why do we do that?
I remember a friend who used to have a poster on their wall that said something to the effect, “Lord help me to remember that nothing is going to happen to me today that you and I can't handle together.” I think it’s that word “together” that we sometimes forget. We remember that God has promised to be with us through every trial, but for some of them it’s as if we barrel straight into them on our own and assume we have everything we need to conquer it.
We don’t. In fact, that’s not our job. Jesus didn’t say, “Take courage, you have overcome the world.” He said “Take courage, I have overcome the world.” He didn’t say, “In your ability to persevere you may have peace.” He said, “In me you may have peace.”
Whatever the reason we sometimes forget this important truth, there is a spiritual practice that can help us recenter when we feel the troubles of this world are too much. And it’s pretty much a single word:
STOP
When the storms of life seem overwhelming, rather than attacking them straight on we need to stop and be still. We need to stop and listen, because there is an invitation being spoken to us amidst the clamor and chaos:
Come to me.
If we’re going to know what it means to find peace, we need to center ourselves in the one who said, “In me you may have peace.” The image here is not finding peace because the trials stop. It’s of an abiding peace that comes from an abiding faith. And the one who offers that peace calls us to come to him even when the wind and waves are battering against us.
As we approach Jerusalem and Holy Week the wind and waves pick up steam. Will we heed the invitation that comes in the midst of it?
Come, you disconsolate, where'er you languish;
Come to the mercy seat, fervently kneel.
Here bring your wounded hearts, here tell your anguish;
Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.
Read the rest of the lyrics here.
Questions for Reflection
1) How is God calling you to STOP in the midst of your life right now and simply dwell in his peace and presence? If you are sensing that call…close your computer (or turn off your phone) and make it a priority before reading another word.
2) Today’s song, based on a classic hymn, contains some wonderful names and images for God:
Joy of the desolate
Light of the straying
Hope of the penitent
Comforter
Bread of lifeDo any of these resonate with you today? What about them speaks to you?
2) Read and reflect on this verse. Let it lead you into prayerful worship and gratitude:
“So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”—Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)