When Jesus said we would have troubles in this life, he wasn’t kidding (John 16:33). Sometimes life can be downright devastating; other times difficult and others, well, just frustrating. If you’re like me, during those times when you don’t know if you’ll make it through, you might get a little down, a little discouraged or maybe even depressed. It’s hard to stay positive all the time. 

But keep reading. In the last part of this verse, Jesus gives us some encouragement: take heart; I have overcome the world. In him we can have peace, even through the trials and troubles. We have to keep our eyes focused on him, not on ourselves and our problems. When we lift our eyes to him, we remember that his peace is the only true peace. 

With our eyes fixed on Jesus, we can get through anything, because he is our strength and our song. William Gouge, a Westminster Divine, offered a bit of wisdom to help us in this regard: ‘When I look upon myself, I see nothing but emptiness and weakness; but when I look upon Christ I see nothing but fullness and sufficiency.’

Thank God his fullness and sufficiency are always more than enough for us, no matter what we suffer in this life. 

First published on 17 June 2025, at www.gemsofgodsgrace.wordpress.com a personal blog which is not sponsored by Grace Communion International.

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