John 16:33 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC)
Hope is defined as confident trust with the expectation of fulfillment. Where do you place your hope? During this time when we celebrate the First Advent or Coming of Christ and look forward to his return, we need to make sure our hope is in the Prince of Peace rather than in the things of this world. Even when things are going well in the world, it cannot impart perfect peace to us. Therefore, the Lord has provided the Spirit to help us stay in a place of peace even as the Spirit reveals times of tribulation yet to come. We must be listening and watching all the time; we must guard our peace.
In our passage today, Jesus is talking to his disciples and he is sharing about the difficulties and struggles they will face because they have chosen to follow him. He does not sugar coat anything; they will face hard and pressing times in the world. However, Jesus offers his perfect peace; the disciples are to be courageous because he has deprived the world of the power to harm them. No devil in hell can stop you, harm you, or rob you of peace as you place your hope in Christ.
John 16:33
I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]
Prayer: Lord, thank you for allowing me to be filled and governed by your peace. May I stay in that place of peace with you and rest hopefully in your care. In Jesus’ name. Amen.