I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. – John 16:33
Antoine Caliste Domino, Jr., was an American pianist and singer-songwriter known to the general public as “Fats.” His sale of more than 65 million records attests to his popularity as a pioneer of rock and roll, often utilizing the sounds of New Orleans. One of the songs he recorded, released in 1964, was titled “Old Man Trouble,” which begins by asking, “Who’s that knockin’ on my door? … I know you’ve been here before.” Few people can claim that “Old Man Trouble“ hasn’t visited them from time to time. Jesus used a word in today’s verse translated “tribulation,” which, in Greek, means, “affliction, anguish, burden, persecution, and trouble.” In 2 Timothy 3:12, Paul says, when you desire to live a godly life in Jesus, you will have to deal with these things.
However, Jesus says though the world might deal out trouble, He has overcome the world. Theologian John MacArthur says, “’World’ doesn’t mean the physical planet; it means the system of evil that dominates the creation, and dominates humanity. It is the satanically operated, demonically infested, sinner exercised world of evil. It is the complex of evil that dominates human life. And has not only dominated human life, but cursed the entire universe.”
The Greek word for “overcome” speaks of attaining a victory over difficult circumstances. It is always used in terms of spiritual victories. In his commentary on John, Dr. D. A. Carson writes, “Jesus has conquered the world, in the same way that he has defeated the prince of this world. … The world continues its wretched attacks, but those who are in Christ share the victory he has won. They cannot be harmed by the world’s evil, and they know who triumphs in the end. From this they take heart, and begin to share his peace.”
Jesus gives you confidence. When Old Man Trouble comes, you can say, “Trouble, go away from my door, and don’t you never come back no more.” Then add, “It is well, it is well, with my soul.” Today, there are regions of America dealing with the aftermaths of two devastating hurricanes. They need the confident assurance that God is with them. Pray for the survivors and all who continue to respond to the needs of your fellow citizens to receive encouragement in their long road to recovery.
Today’s Verse: John 16:33
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Psalm 91
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his pinions,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
5 You will not fear the terror of the night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
ten thousand at your right hand,
but it will not come near you.
8 You will only look with your eyes
and see the recompense of the wicked.
9 Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place—
the Most High, who is my refuge—
10 no evil shall be allowed to befall you,
no plague come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways.
12 On their hands they will bear you up,
lest you strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the adder;
the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.
14 “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;
I will protect him, because he knows my name.
15 When he calls to me, I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble;
I will rescue him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.”
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
