Most of the time, when I read this verse, I acknowledge that yes, I will have troubles to face, and I know that if I lean on God for strength, I will make it through whatever life throws at me...even if I feel like at the end I am barely hanging on by a thread. However, I usually just think of the big things: health problems, car expenses that I can’t afford, job challenges, and major arguments with people that I’m close to. While reading the Amplified version of this verse, I noticed something:
The Amplified Bible states it this way, “In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]
I always think about going to God to help me overcome the seemingly larger things…but what about the smaller day-to-day frustrations? Hitting every red light when I’m already late to where I’m going, forgetting something at home when I’m on my way to work, having to clean up extra messes that are made by being in a hurry…Christ overcame the world, and that includes the small things. Therefore, when we are feeling stressed out by the little things, we can turn to Jesus for patience and peace.
Another thing I think is amazing in this version of the text is the bit at the end. Jesus has deprived the world of power to harm us. This world only has as much power over us as we allow it to. If we turn to Jesus when we are having a weak moment and focus our eyes on Him, we will not be overcome by the worldly challenge that is facing us, no matter how small it may seem in our eyes.
