I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. JOHN 16:33 

The summer after graduating from high school was a fun one. I was preparing to enter college and eager to go. I knew that I did not have the finances to go, but I trusted that God would provide. My family was a middle-class working family, but college was very expensive. A few weeks before leaving for school, the funds still had not come in and I found myself very worried, wondering how I was going to pay for school or if I was even going to go. I began to talk to my family, and we decided to pray. I prayed that God would provide and help me have the peace while He worked it out. Five days before I left for college, the provision came in and I was allowed to start school on time. God knew before I did that it would all work out and I would have the victory in that situation. 

The word overcome is defined “to conquer.” Each day, we have the opportunity to stand on the victory and the overcoming power of Jesus Christ. We are promised through today’s Scripture verse that when—not if, but when—the trials and sorrows come, Jesus Christ has already given you the victory over them. This is a great Scripture to stand on as we go through hard times, reminding ourselves that no matter what happens, God has given us the victory. Standing firm on the promises of God is essential in this season of embracing rest. The greatest things you can gain from rest are learning to grow in your faith and realizing God is handling what you can’t. God is moving even when we can’t see Him. Our needs will be met and God will supply.  

Are you finding it hard to silence the noise? Try memorizing Scripture (like today’s verse) and reciting it out loud when you need God’s peace. Or, spend some time with people will help you find peace in your day. Remember: God can do more with our obedience than He can with our worry. 

Prayer 

Father, when trials and sorrow come my way, I ask that You release great peace over me. Help me be reminded that I don’t have to worry but only need to pray. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

This is an excerpt from Release: 90 Days to Embracing God’s Plan for Your Life by Bridgette Reed – a new devotional journal now available on DaySpring.com. Shop all books, journals, and devotions from DaySpring here.