Bible Reading: 2 Chronicles 13-16; John 14
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” John 14:1 (KJV)
Our Lord Jesus was admonishing His disciples just before the Passover, because His time was near. As He was predicting His death and what to come, their hearts were troubled. Jesus knew what was going on in their minds and hearts, how disturbed and upset they were, and what was causing their hearts to be troubled. He also knew the remedy for their anxieties, that’s why He spoke such consoling words to them.
In life, challenges and troubles sometimes comes in little ways we do not expect or sudden ways we never imagine. Such kinds of situations can cause troubled hearts, fearful hearts, and agitated hearts because of the circumstances. Jesus knew that these men were afraid of what was coming. They were afraid of death and afraid that they, with Jesus, were going to be executed by the Jews. They knew of the opposition that had developed against them in Jerusalem. They knew they were in danger, and so their hearts were deeply troubled as they gathered with Him listening to His admonition. Much more than that physical danger to themselves, they were aware of Jesus’ words about leaving them. His words had struck their hearts and raised concerns. They were afraid that even though they might survive, they would have to go on living without Him, and that was unbearable to them. Perhaps they could bear to die with Him; but they could not bear to live or die without Him. So as He gathers with them, He consoles them by saying these words: Do not let your hearts be troubled.
The same way Jesus is speaking to us today through His word (The Bible) to be of good cheer and have faith in Him whenever we are faced with challenges of life, not to let our hearts be troubled, because challenges and troubles will always come our way. Nevertheless, He has overcome the world “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (KJV)
The remedy for living a trouble free heart is contained in the two phrases that follow Jesus statement to His disciples: Trust in God; trust also in me. Trusting in God; that is, believing in God’s ability and integrity to perform all things. He is the Almighty and All-powerful and still in control of the whole world, who knows what He is doing, and is capable of exercising infinite wisdom, and infinite love in handling every situations and life troubles. And ‘trust also in me’, Jesus the way to God, who also is the means by which all the wisdom, resource and power of God is made available to us. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6 (KJV). This is the secret to living a trouble-free life.
Prayer: Father, help me to daily put my trust in you and the Lord Jesus to cure every anxiety in my heart.
Pastor Alfred Samuel