Pressure Cooker

• John 16:33 (NASB)

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"These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

There's something very telling about the word Jesus uses for tribulation. Tlipsis - the original Greek word literally means "pressure". And nothing rings truer in my heart - In the world, you have great pressure; Pressure to succeed. Pressure to be strong. Pressure to be perfect. Pressure to do things we know we should not do.

Then there is the polar opposite of trouble - peace. At one end we have the world and its troubles. On the other is Jesus with his offer of peace. It is like we are in the midst of a tug of war; both sides pulling on our souls.

Which side will we be pulled to? If we do not take a stand for one or the other, the world will pull us its own way.

Holy Spirit, remind me when I feel the pressure of the world that Jesus has overcome it all. He has shown that he has power even over death itself and offers me a peace that goes far beyond every trouble and any amount of pressure this world can bring.

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