1971) I pay attention to words, especially as I read them. This helps me understand what the speaker/writer is saying. In John 16:33, I notice the word, this.  

The word, this, is used to identify or refer to something specific. Its job is often like a hand-drawn arrow, used to point something out. This arrow is pointing to the way things are in this life.  

There is much joy, happiness, and love now. If we all took a moment and pondered this, we all can nod our heads. Yet, it’s also true there is much sorrow, grief, and pain in this life.  

Jesus is telling his disciples peace is available to them in this sad and painful life because there is another life coming when all God’s children will be healed. There will be no more disease, illness, broken relationships, pain, sorrow, murder, thievery, misunderstandings, rejection, fatalities and so much more.  

Jesus is communicating to us here in John 16. Yes; I see and know the pain and suffering you have now, but there will come a time, sooner than later, when all this suffering is going to end. The sick will be made well. The hurt will live in comfort. The rejected will be welcomed, etc.

“In this life there will be trouble, but I have overcome the world.”