One of perhaps the things I find difficult to do at times is to keep my heart from getting troubled. Probably because there is a lot we can be troubled about. Just read a newspaper, face book, listen to the news or people’s conversations and we will surely find, hear or see something that has the potential to trouble our hearts.
However Jesus said something to guide our hearts and minds. He said, “Let not your hearts be troubled. But believe and trust in God” (John 14:1) Meaning don’t worry and be troubled, but have faith, hold onto, rely on, keep going and believe in Me.
When Jesus said those words to His disciples they were about to face more trouble than many of us could imagine. Jesus was aware of His impending death and crucifixtion, His friends were all about to flee for their lives, there was uncertainty, death, disease, poverty and exhibitions of harshness and cruelty by the ruling Romans and society as a whole that we can scarcely comprehend in our modern times.
Yet Jesus said to His disciples, as He still does to us today, “Let not your hearts be troubled.” He goes on to teach us why we don’t need to be troubled. For He:
1. Has prepared a place for us, so that where He is, there we may be also. (John 14:3)
2. That those who believe in Him will assuredly do greater works than He has did while walking the earth. (John 14:12)
3. Holy Spirit will abide with us forever, and God Himself will make His home with us if we ask Him to be part of our lives. (John 14:17-21)
We don’t need to be troubled because if we have a relationship with Jesus He promises He is with us, that we have open access to heaven and we know where we are going when our time here is done. That if we believe in Him and His words remain in us we will also minister and see amazing miracles, provision, healings, outpourings of power, wisdom, strength, and comfort.
Jesus is faithful. When He says, “don’t let our hearts be troubled”, it’s because He knows we don’t need to allow the crazy things of this world to steal our peace from us.
He is our peace, and He expects us to do the works and miracles He did, instead of coming under the trouble, turmoil and wickedness of the world. The works Jesus did, He said we will do, and even greater. The peace He gave, we can minister to others; the comfort and strength He carried wherever He went, we too carry if we determine to abide in Him, and let His words abide and settle down on the inside of us.
Today, discover and know who God is, and the truth that He is greater than any wickedness, evil or trouble we may face in this world. Abide in Him and let His words abide within you; for as you do He will teach you His ways and give His assurance and wisdom so you’ll know what to do, and not to do. Then you too can share wherever you go the truth of His love and goodness, and that none of us needs to live perpetually troubled.
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let it be afraid”. (John 14:27)
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.” (John 15:16)
Prayer: Lord I choose to let your love and words rest in me today as you teach me your ways and wisdom. I do not let my heart be troubled because I trust and abide in Jesus today. In Jesus name Amen.