Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled

John 14:1 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God ; trust also in me.

John 14:27 "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."

In any given day there are numerous things that are apt to trouble our hearts. I found it interesting that in the gospel of John where Jesus is comforting His disciples that He mentions, Let not your hearts be troubled, twice in the same chapter. It is obviously a message that Jesus wants to hit home.

The disciples are given horrible news, their beloved Jesus will soon be leaving them, at this point they don't understand the magnitude of what he is saying, what to expect, or how to handle it. They are probably feeling distraught and grieved over the fact that Jesus won't be around to guide them and teach them and lead them any more. Though Jesus acknowledges their sadness He doesn't want it to consume them. He tells them to trust God and Himself. He gives them a promise of peace. not worldly peace but inner peace, A peace of assurance that all will work out if they keep there eyes and and trust on God. He says to not be afraid, God has it covered, they could not know what was to come but God did and does. His apostles ask " How can we know that what you say will happen?" Jesus answers very plainly that if they can't take Him at his word that they could look to the miracles He had performed. Basically saying haven't you been watching, listening and experiencing the very power of God within me? The Apostles saw these miracles first hand and STILL had a hard time believing that what Jesus said was as good as gold!

Our hearts can become troubled by many things, but we must keep in mind that God works all things for the good of those who love and place their trust in Him.(Romans 8:28) This doesn't mean a removal of suffering,pain, hurt, disappointment, or difficulties, but a guarantee of strength to get through it, when we choose to cling to Jesus through it. And what awaits on the other side is more peace, understanding, and opportunity to witness the goodness of the Lord.

How many times have we gone through difficulties in our lives, A death, unruly children, depression, marital discord, anger, abuse and on and on the list could go? What got us through. When we arrived on the other side what was it like? where did you gain your strength? We all have a choice how we will deal with life's disappointments? Some of us choose things that, though for the moment make us feel good, in the long run, cause us to suffer even more, like addictions, isolation, revenge, grudges, anger, etc... But Jesus says He and His Father are the only way. I am the way the truth and the life. (John 14:6).

My prayer for us today and everyday is that we make Jesus the focal point in our lives, facing all of life through the filter of His love. Seeking Him, growing in faith and celebrating that He has come so that we would have the opportunity to know Him on a deeper, more intimate level.