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John 16:33 - Living Above Your Circumstances.

John 16:33: Living Above Your Circumstances.

John 16:33 (NKJV) These things I have spoken to you, that in Me 
you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be 
of good cheer, I have overcome the world."  

COMMENTARY PEARL

   I am training you to be an overcomer - to find Joy in the 
midst of circumstances that previously would have defeated you. Your 
ability to transcend trouble is based on this rock-solid fact: I have 
overcome the world; I have already won the ultimate victory! Nonetheless, 
as I taught, you will have trouble in this world. So expect to 
encounter many difficulties as you journey through life. You inhabit a 
planet that is always at war, and the enemy of your soul never rests. 
But don't be afraid, because He who is in you is greater than he who 
is in the world. This is good reason to rejoice! 
   When you are in the midst of challenging circumstances, it is 
crucial to keep trusting Me. Whisper "I trust You, Jesus" as often as 
you need - remembering I am always near. Ask Me to help you learn 
all that I have for you in this trial. Look for flowers of Joy 
growing in the rich soil of adversity. The sunlight of My Face is 
shining upon you, beloved. (John 16:33; 1Jo. 4:4; Psa. 145:18; Num. 
6:25) [Jesus Always by Sarah Young] 

COMMENTARY

Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. 
Colossians 3:2 (NKJV) 

   Our inherent tendency is to direct our lives on this earth 
according to what we perceive with our five senses. The fact is, if we 
have embraced Christ, our attachment to this physical world is no 
longer the defining element of our existence. Jesus himself is. 
   The present reality of his love for us and our new life in 
him must become the primary focus of our attention if we hope to 
escape the clutches of darkness of this present world. No religious 
activity can set us free, no matter how transcendent it might be. The 
realities of heaven become the substance of our lives only when we set our 
sights on him in whom our life is hidden. 
   LORD, help me to see with new eyes today. Instead of the 
troubles of my life in this world, may I focus my vision on you, the 
author and finisher of my faith, the lover and keeper of my soul. Help 
me to trust in the realities of your kingdom more than I trust what 
I can experience with my physical body. [Praying Through The Bible 
By Fuller re Col. 3:1-3]  

   The things of earth get right in our face and speak to us 
relentlessly. We have things to pay for, plans to arrange, people to please, 
and responsibilities to deal with - all of which make our to-do 
lists long and our bodies and souls tired. There's no way to avoid the 
things of earth - we do actually live here, after all - but we can't be 
totally preoccupied with them. They drain us of energy and resources if 
we are.  
   What does it mean to think about the things of heaven? It 
means knowing heaven's agenda: God's purposes and His ways. It means 
seeking visions of Him and His plans. It means living with heaven's 
values: a Kingdom culture of integrity, honor, purity, peace, 
generosity, and blessing. We understand that heaven is filled with radical 
worship right this moment, and we join in the praises. We learn to treat 
other people as eternal beings, even if we aren't sure of their 
eternal destiny - to see the treasure God has put in them rather than 
the junk that comes to the surface now. And we need to know that we 
are surrounded by spiritual beings: angels that minister to us and 
deceptive spirits that try to seduce us. Heaven's realities are described 
in Scripture, and we are fully encouraged to let them become the 
realities in which we live and move and breathe.  
   Whatever is happening visibly in your world today is only a 
fraction of your true life. The rest of the story - the most important 
parts of it - are invisible to your physical eyes. But they aren't 
invisible to your spirit or your thought life. Choose where to dwell, and 
fill your mind with the reality of heaven. Live out its culture, its 
values, its relationships, and its activities.  
   Spirit of God, fill my mind with heavenly thoughts. Let me 
see what's truly real and really true. Help me live out my 
citizenship as an influencer in Your Kingdom. [The One Year Experiencing 
Gods Presence Devotional by Chris Tiegreen] 

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

   Refresh yourself in the Peace of My Presence. This Peace can 
be your portion at all times and in all circumstances. Learn to 
hide in the secret of My Presence, even as you carry out your duties 
in the world. I am both with you and within you. I go before you to 
open up the way, and I also walk alongside you. There could never be 
another companion as devoted as I am. 
   Because I am your constant Companion, there should be a 
lightness to your step that is observable to others. Do not be weighed 
down with problems and unresolved issues, for I am your 
burden-bearer. In the world you have trials and distress, but don't let them 
get you down. I have conquered the world and deprived it of power to 
harm you. In Me you may have confident Peace. (Psa. 31:19-20; John 
16:33) [Jesus Calling by Sarah Young] 

   Trust Me in the midst of a messy day. Your inner calm - your 
Peace in My Presence - need not be shaken by what is going on around 
you. Though you live in this temporal world, your innermost being is 
rooted and grounded in eternity. When you start to feel stressed, 
detach yourself from the disturbances around you. Instead of 
desperately striving to maintain order and control in your little world, 
relax and remember that circumstances cannot touch My Peace.  
   Seek My Face, and I will share My mind with you, opening your 
eyes to see things from My perspective. Do not let your heart be 
troubled, and do not be afraid. The Peace I give is sufficient for you. 
(John 16:33; Psa. 105:4; John 14:27) [Jesus Calling by Sarah Young] 

   Train your mind to think great thoughts of Me! Many 
Christians are defeated by focusing mainly on less important things - the 
news, the weather, the economy, loved ones' problems, their own 
problems, and so on. Granted, in this world you will have trouble, but 
don't let troubles become your primary focus. Remind yourself that I 
am with you and I have overcome the world. I am nearer than the air 
you breathe, yet I am infinite God - King of kings and Lord of 
lords. I am also your loving Savior and faithful Friend. 
   One of the best ways to enhance awareness of My greatness is 
to worship Me. This connects you with the Godhead (Father, Son, and 
Spirit) in a glorious way. True worship expands My kingdom of Light in 
the world, pushing back the darkness. An exquisite way to praise Me 
is to read or sing the Psalms. Filling your mind with biblical 
truth will help you resist discouragement. When troubles assail you, 
exert yourself to think about who I am - your Savior and Friend who is 
Almighty God! (John 16:33; Rev. 19:16; 1:8) [Jesus Always by Sarah 
Young] 

   I am all around you, like a cocoon of Light. My Presence with 
you is a promise, independent of your awareness of Me. Many things 
can block this awareness, but the major culprit is worry. My 
children tend to accept worry as an inescapable fact of life. However, 
worry is a form of unbelief; it is anathema to Me.  
   Who is in charge of your life? If it is you, then you have 
good reason to worry. But if it is I, then worry is both unnecessary 
and counterproductive. When you start to feel anxious about 
something, relinquish the situation to Me. Back off a bit, redirecting your 
focus to Me. I will either take care of the problem Myself or show you 
how to handle it. In this world you will have problems, but you need 
not lose sight of Me. (Luke 12:22-31; John 16:33) [Jesus Calling by 
Sarah Young] 

GOOD LINK 4 ACTION STEPS DURING TIMES OF STRUGGLE


http://www.faithgateway.com/unreasonable-hope-action-steps/#.WfXpAtCnE2w 

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

Most Important Decision in Life: 
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0 

Seeking God Made Real: http://vimeo.com/31489782

Prayer Made Real: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE

LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES AND SEMINARS

Restoring The Power by John Bradshaw: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRogO1SxoZN15Boa7BMon4BouVMdteVaq 

Prophecies Decoded Sermon Series: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657 

Glow Tract Video Bible Studies: http://www.bibleresearch.info/

ABible.com: http://www.aBible.com