In John 16:33 the Bible tells us, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have OVERCOME the world.”
You could say we are given a “heads up;” you may experience some turbulence in this life. The GOOD NEWS is we can have PEACE in the midst of it. Not too long ago you could say we were having some non-stop turbulence! It was causing some side effects of much frustration and even some lack of sleep. Have you ever been there?
We were in need of some encouragement, and it came from a long-time friend who serves on the Mission field. After hearing about our tribulation he called and had this to say; “REMEMBER, Jesus is still in the boat with you.” After that short, yet profound conversation, peace took control over our soul, in spite of the continued negative circumstances.
The disciples experienced some storms and turbulence! It is interesting to read the response Jesus had to their frustrations and lack of peace.
“Now when He got into a boat, His disciples FOLLOWED Him. And SUDDENLY a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, ‘Lord, save us! We are perishing!’ But He said to them, ‘Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?’ Then He arose and REBUKED the winds and the sea, and there was GREAT CALM.
Matthew 8:23-26
What I learned from this story is we can take courage in the midst of negative challenges and say, “PEACE be still!” In other words, we can take control over our mind, will, and emotions – our soul, and command peace to rise up. We can remain steadfast and confident in the LORD that He is with us bringing victory. Like Jesus, we can get a good night’s sleep!
Experiencing some turbulence? CHEER UP! “REMEMBER, Jesus is still in the boat with you.”