The Compatibility Of Peace And Tribulation
“That in me ye might have peace; in the world ye shall have tribulation. But be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”—John 16:33
Such is Christ’s legacy to all his brethren; peace in him, tribulation in the world. Every disciple shall receive these bequests. The former, a God of truth and faithfulness is engaged by promise and oath to give. The latter, from the world, the flesh, and the devil, every follower of Jesus will be sure to receive. But alas, how apt are we, when in the mount of peace with Jesus, to cry, Tribulation shall no more affect me. On the other hand, when in the dreary valley of tribulation, then we are ready to conclude, There is no end to my troubles; I shall see peace no more. This was the case with David. One while we find him triumphing: ‘In my prosperity I said I shall never be moved.’ Ps. 30:6. At another, mournfully complaining, ‘Thou hidest thy face, and I am troubled.’
Too, too apt are we to judge of God’s love to us by his providences, instead of his promises. Tribulation in the world is as necessary for the soul as peace in Jesus; or our loving Saviour would not have appointed it for us. One is not incompatible with, nor destructive of the other. Nay, is it not often the case with thee, oh Christian, as of old, that ‘as sufferings abound, consolation abounds also?’ 2 Cor. 1:5. Hast thou access by faith into the same grace with the church of old; dost thou with them ‘rejoice in hope of the glory of God?’ Learn the same note which they sung: ‘We glory in tribulation.’ Why? Because they knew that all things work together for good. Therefore they found by experience these soul-reviving effects, ‘Knowing that tribulation worketh patience, and patience experience, find experience hope, and hope maketh not ashamed, because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost given unto us.’ Rom. 5:2-5.
Thus as Christ is ours, all things are ours. Tribulation and distress in the world are ours, as well as hope, patience, peace, love, and joy in Jesus. Sweet is it to observe, how our dear Saviour words his legacy: it is like a cross richly ornamented with jewels of infinite value. Tribulation in the world stands encompassed with ‘peace’ in the front, ‘good cheer’ and victory in the rear. Who is he that overcomcth the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:4, 5.
Hath my dear Lord this world o’ercome,
In which I’ve trials great?
Be of good cheer then, oh my soul,
The vict’ry is complete.
Faith in my Lord doth share the spoils,
And bring me peace of mind;
What tho’ the world doth smile or frown,
In Christ I vict’ry find.
M.
William Mason (1719-1791) was a High-Calvinist author. For many years he served as a Justice of the Peace, and in 1783 was appointed a Magistrate. He served as editor of the Gospel Magazine before and after the editorship of Augustus Toplady. He is best known for a morning and evening devotional entitled, “A Spiritual Treasury For The Children Of God.”
