In this John 16:33 Devotional, we’ll explore the comforting truth behind Jesus’ words and discover the hope they bring when life turns upside down. If you’ve ever asked, “Where is God when bad things happen?” you’ll find reassurance that He is still on His throne, still working for your good, and still offering you His peace in the midst of life’s storms.
When Life Falls Apart
Do you ever wonder… Where is God when bad things happen?
We’ve all been there.
Every time we turn on the TV, there’s another heartbreaking story unfolding before our eyes… hurricanes, floods, wildfires, or acts of violence that shake us to the core. But these aren’t just headlines; they’re life-altering moments for God’s people somewhere in the world.
And while we may feel compassion for the people touched by these tragedies and give to charities out of the goodness of our hearts to help them, in the back of our minds, we think these same things won’t happen to us. But the truth is, all of us will be affected by a serious tragedy at some point in our lives. Our turn to experience hard times will surely come, whether it’s the death of a loved one, a home destroyed by a natural disaster, or another unseen event so bad that we never could have imagined it in our worst nightmare.
When a tragic event strikes, it wreaks havoc on our lives, turning everything we know upside down. The little bit of security we’ve worked so hard for is suddenly pulled out from underneath us, and the peace of mind that we strive for becomes a distant memory. As the pain wells up in our chest, leaving us breathless, we realize how fragile life is and cry out for answers. Then, we’re left to wonder, “Where is God when awful things happen?”
I’ve felt that pain, experienced the torment of watching a loved one suffer and die an agonizing death, and seen everything I once thought important taken from me. In my despair, I’ve searched for an answer to this question. But I want you to know that waiting for you on the other side of the pain is hope. Hope that the situation you’re in won’t last forever and hope that tomorrow will be a better day. I’d like to share some of the Bible verses about why bad things happen that have helped me to get through the pain and see the hope of better days to come. It starts with these comforting words from John’s Gospel…
What is the Meaning of John 16:33?
In the gospel of John, chapter 16, we find one of the most comforting and powerful promises Jesus ever gave…
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.
John 16:33 NKJV
Jesus backed that up by telling followers of Christ that He has overcome the world! That’s a pretty amazing statement when you think about it, and a reason for us to have good courage. Jesus has overcome the pain and suffering we’re currently facing. He has overcome every sin that separates us from Him and keeps us from the peace He offers. And He did it by dying in our place so that someday we will be with Him in heaven forever. Christ’s victory is already won. And one day, instead of sorrow and hardship, we’ll have the unlimited joy and peace that only comes from knowing Jesus as our Savior.
These words were part of Jesus’ final teaching moments in the upper room before His own death on the cross. In the context of John 16, He was lovingly preparing His disciples for the coming days when their faith would be shaken and their spiritual journey tested like never before. Yet, even in the midst of trials, His words of comfort assured them of an ultimate victory—over sin, over the power of death, and over all the things of this world.
God Has a Reason for Allowing Things to Happen
God Almighty sees what we can’t. He knows the whole story from beginning to end, even when we have a lack of understanding in the moment. His perspective is eternal, and nothing that happens in our lives is outside of His knowledge or control.
The Bible is filled with examples of how God used times of difficulty for a greater purpose… Joseph’s years in prison that prepared him to save a nation, Esther’s courage before the king that spared her people, and the Apostle Paul’s perseverance in sharing the gospel despite relentless persecution.
In our own lives, the good thing God brings out of hardship might be a deepened faith, a renewed sense of the love of God, or a fresh boldness to share the name of Jesus with others. The essence of the Christian life is trusting our Heavenly Father, even when life doesn’t look like the easy, trouble-free path we imagined for ourselves.
The Nearness of God in Our Pain
Even when we can’t see the good God is bringing out of our circumstances, His presence is still with us. In our weakest moments, He draws near, reminding us that we are never outside the reach of His compassion.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18 New International Version
Two of the Hardest Days of My Life
Each of us will face the loss of someone we love, and when it comes, the pain can be overwhelming. My Granny was one of the most influential people in my life—full of joy, strength, and just the right amount of fierce independence. She loved deeply, lived fully, and I always wanted to be just like her.
When we heard she was in the ICU on life support, my world stopped. I fell to the floor in tears, overcome with grief. The drive to Tulsa from Arkansas was slow and icy, and all I could do was pray and ask God, “Why?” My mom had been battling cancer for over a year, and Granny had been perfectly healthy. Then suddenly, she was dying. In that moment, God whispered to my heart: “I am still on My throne, and all is right in the world.” It wasn’t the answer I expected, but it was exactly the truth I needed.
A year and a half later, my mom passed away after three long years of chemo. Watching her suffer was the hardest thing I’ve ever endured. On her last day, my prayer changed from asking for healing to asking God to take her home. He heard me, and within the hour, she was in the presence of Jesus.
Losing them both was devastating, but each time, God pulled me out of the pit. He never left me to sink in despair. I will always miss them, but I’m thankful God let me have them for a little while. Through those painful experiences, I learned firsthand that even during life’s most difficult times, the peace of God and the presence of our Savior always carry us through.
God’s Hand in the Midst of Suffering
The Bible tells us that the right hand of God upholds His children. Even when we feel empty or our hearts are heavy, His hand remains steady and sure.
Like a child learning to walk, we cling to His hand through life’s difficulties, knowing His grip will never fail us. The spiritual peace He gives isn’t temporary, it stays with us throughout life’s journey.
Jesus Himself gives us this powerful promise…
And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.
My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.
John 10:28-29 NKJV
These are more than just comforting words, they’re an unshakable guarantee from the Son of God. When we place our trust in Him, we’re held securely in both Jesus’ hand and the Father’s hand.
Nothing… not grief, not fear, not the power of death, and not the things of this world… can pull us away from His grasp.
This promise means that even in trials, loss, or uncertain times, we are not adrift. We are anchored in the love of God, protected by His power, and carried by His amazing grace. No matter what bad things may happen in life, we can be confident that our ultimate victory is secure in Christ Jesus. His hands hold us now, and they will hold us forever. And because His hands will never let us go, we can come before Him with boldness, knowing He welcomes us into His presence with mercy, grace, and unfailing love.
Coming Boldly to the Throne of Grace
Because His hands will never let us go, we don’t have to face tough times alone. Instead, we have the incredible privilege of coming into His presence, right to the throne of grace, where help is always waiting.
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:16 NKJV
This is an open invitation that is still available to God’s people today. God Almighty is not a faraway being in a gilded cage. He is a loving Heavenly Father who knows the pain we feel and sees every tear we shed. When our world falls apart and the pain is too deep to comprehend, He calls us to bring all of our brokenness directly to Him. Nothing is too big for Him to handle, and nothing is too small for His attention. He wants us to confidently lay our burdens at His feet so we can receive mercy and grace in our time of need.
Whether you’re facing uncertain times, battling an illness, or simply feeling worn down from life’s difficulties, you can bring every burden to God. In the New Testament, Jesus’ disciple, the Apostle John, reminds us again and again that the peace of God comes from abiding in the love of God. It doesn’t come from the things of this world or our own strength, it’s found in His presence and the promise of His grace.
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Holding On to Hope When the Night Feels Long
When we lay our burdens at the throne of grace, we find mercy, grace, and a renewed strength to keep going. That strength doesn’t mean our sorrow will disappear instantly, but it does mean it won’t last forever. God’s Word assures us that no matter how dark the present feels, His light will break through.
Weeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning.
Psalm 30:5 NKJV
No matter how long the night feels, morning is coming. The ultimate victory belongs to Christ Jesus, and as part of God’s team, we share in that victory.
When you rest in the peace of God, the Holy Spirit will help you move forward, even when you can’t see the full path ahead. That’s the good cheer in Jesus’ words, a hope that the coming days hold more than just survival. They hold joy, eternal life, and the full restoration of God’s kingdom.
The pain we feel today may seem endless, but God promises a morning filled with hope for a brighter future. So whatever you do, don’t give up… because morning is coming.
God Is Still on His Throne
If you’re going through hard times, take heart… He is still on His throne, and all is right in the world.
You are a child of God, loved beyond measure. Because Christ’s victory is already yours, you can face life’s hard times with courage and confidence. The peace of God isn’t a temporary fix, it’s the essence of the Christian life that sustains us when everything falls apart.
If you’ve lost a loved one and are reeling from the pain, I pray you’ll know this truth deep in your heart, God has you in the palm of His hand. He won’t leave you to face this hurt alone. Take your burden to Him and find healing in His mercy and grace.
So, Where is God when bad things happen? Simply put, He’s exactly where He has always been… right beside you, unchanging and faithful. He’s ready to lift you up, carry you through the tragedy you’re facing, and give you hope for a better tomorrow.
I pray that the words of comfort in this John 16:33 Devotional will strengthen you, and the Holy Spirit will fill you with peace as you walk forward in the amazing grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. No matter what tomorrow holds, God is still on His throne, and His loving hand will carry you into a future filled with hope.
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2 Older Comments.
Joy comes in the morning. ( Love the handbag. )
Connie from Master’s Hand Collection
Hi Rebecca! Thanks so much for your kind words. God bless!
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Powerful message thanks
So glad to know this message from God helped you during this difficult time. Blessings to you!
I wrote a little bit about this in https://lifeinthelabyrinth.com/2017/03/10/walking-with-hope/. Thank you for reminding us of God’s promises in the midst of suffering. Peace to you!
Thanks for sharing, Michelle.