I was walking past my gym the other day, when something on a billboard caught my attention. It boldly declared, "A World Without Anxiety and Fear. Live The Life You Want," followed by a phone number to call. For a moment, I paused and thought, “Can anyone really guarantee a world without anxiety and fear?” It seemed like an attractive promise, one that many would probably desire. But could it truly be achieved?

As I continued walking, I found myself shaking my head in mild amusement, but then a powerful thought came to me—the words of Jesus Christ: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). It was as if a veil lifted from my mind. Here was the answer.

The billboard may have been offering a world without anxiety and fear, but Jesus, in His wisdom, recognized something that no advertisement or promise can provide: true peace is not the absence of trouble, anxiety, or fear, but the presence of a Saviour who has overcome the world and everything in it.

Let's be honest. Anxiety and fear are real parts of life. We live in a world full of uncertainties, stresses, and struggles. From health issues to relational problems, financial stress to the fear of the unknown, it is easy to see why people would desire a world where these emotions no longer have a hold on us.

However, the truth is that no one can completely escape these challenges. Jesus, in His earthly ministry, acknowledged this when He said, “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). He didn’t promise that His followers would live in a bubble of tranquility, untouched by life's storms. Instead, He pointed to something far deeper than simply eliminating trouble: His victory over it.

While the world may promise a life free from anxiety and fear, Jesus offers something far more profound: peace in the midst of them. He invites us into a relationship with Him that transcends the external circumstances of life. This peace isn’t based on avoiding problems but on knowing that no matter what happens, we are not alone. In fact, Jesus tells us, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27).

The peace Jesus offers is different from what the world provides. It is not a temporary escape or a quick fix for anxiety. It’s a lasting peace that comes from knowing that Jesus has already overcome the world. The troubles we face don’t have the final word; Jesus does. And this brings us hope.

Faith in Christ does not mean we won’t face difficult times, but it does mean that we can face them with a heart that trusts in God’s ultimate goodness and sovereignty. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us, saying, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

This peace is not a superficial calm, but a deep assurance that God is with us and that He is at work in every situation, no matter how difficult. When anxiety creeps in, we are invited to turn to God in prayer, offering our fears and concerns to Him. In return, He promises a peace that surpasses human understanding, guarding our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Throughout the Bible, we see examples of people who faced immense fear and anxiety yet found peace in God’s presence.

In the face of danger and fear, David wrote, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4). David acknowledged the reality of fear, yet he found comfort in knowing that God was with him, guiding and protecting him.

In 2 Corinthians 12:9, Paul shares how God spoke to him in a time of struggle, saying, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul’s response was one of faith and trust in God, even in the midst of trials. He found peace by embracing God’s grace and power.

Even Jesus, before His crucifixion, experienced fear and distress. In Matthew 26:38, He said to His disciples, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.” Yet, in His darkest moment, He submitted to His Father’s will, trusting that God's plan was greater than His immediate fears.

The billboard’s message suggested that you could "live the life you want" by eliminating anxiety and fear, but true freedom comes from a life of peace in Christ. It is not about removing trouble from our lives but about trusting God in the midst of it. As we embrace this truth, we discover that even in the face of anxiety and fear, we can still live a life full of purpose, peace, and joy.

To live the life God intends for us is to walk by faith, knowing that while anxiety and fear may come, they do not define us. Jesus has overcome the world, and in Him, we have the power to live victoriously, no matter what challenges we face. As we rely on His peace, we can truly live the life we’ve been called to—a life marked not by the absence of trouble but by the presence of a God who is greater than all our fears.

So, when we see a promise of a world without anxiety and fear, we can smile and remember that this world, in its fallen state, will never be free from them. But in Christ, we are offered a peace that transcends understanding. We may not be able to escape the troubles of life, but we can face them with hope, knowing that Jesus has already overcome the world. And that, my friends, is the life we are called to live—one filled with His peace, no matter what comes our way.

As we go through life, let us hold fast to the words of Jesus: “Take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). This is the true life we are meant to live.