The Christian life is not a life free of pressure, stress, anguish, adversity, oppression, affliction, and crushing. In fact, when Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33), the Greek word He used is “thlipsis” which means all of the above! The word is actually used of pressing olives or grapes to extract their juice. But, He also said, “in Me you may have peace” and this Greek word is “eirene” which means rest, calm, and quietness; indeed it speaks of tranquility and the absence of strife! But how can this be while living in this world that is filled with such anxiety? It is by realizing that He faced every thing that thlipsis embodies, and overcame it, being, “in all points tempted [tested] as we are…” (Hebrews 4:15). It is by Him living in us that we, by faith, are made to be “more than conquers” (Romans 8:37-39, cf. Psalm 94:19). Notice that He said, “in Me you may have peace”. Consider another angle that it is our choice whether we walk in that peace, as Colossians 3:15 admonishes, “let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called…” Will you pursue that peace by “casting all your care upon Him…” (1 Peter 5:7), or will you struggle to battle the “elements” by your own supposed strength?
An Exhortation From the Lord
-Written through Rose Hill
“Be of good cheer” saith the Lord. I say this to you so you can have perfect peace and confidence in Me. I know you have trials, distress, and frustrations, but be confident that I will bring you through. You can stand up tall for I am standing up on the inside of you. I am facing the battles with you. You are not alone. You are more than a conqueror for I have overcome the world and deprived it of its power to harm you. I have already conquered all those problems that seem too big for you. In Me you have the victory. So in the multitude of your anxious thoughts I comfort you and bring cheer and delight to your soul.
Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson Co. used by permission.