Be Of Good Cheer

Q. There is a Scripture I would very much like your help with.  This may seem like a really stupid question as it does seem like I should realize what this means without asking anyone.  It’s John 16:33  or Jesus saying We will have tribulation but be of good cheer or courage that He has overcome the world.  I have to say I’m not real sure exactly what Jesus meant when He said this.  I know in my head there is nothing more powerful then God or Jesus and that He always has the final say when it comes to anything in the world or anywhere but the tribulation that people suffer is just that suffering or pain.  How are we supposed to be of good cheer concerning pain and suffering?

A. In John 16:33 Jesus said in effect that the world is an evil place full of suffering and pain.  By the way 1 John 5:19 says the whole world is under the control of the evil one.  It’s a consequence of the Fall and explains why there’s so much suffering and pain.  But at its worst it only encompasses 70 years of our eternal existence.  Soon it will be all over and we’ll begin enjoying the blessings that will come because of our faith in the Lord’s victory on the cross.

In Philippians 4:4-7 Paul wrote, Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

This is a good expansion of John 16:33. Whatever the circumstance, we can and should rejoice, because of who we belong to.