John 14.1,27
“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me … 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 them be afraid.”
When Jesus met with the disciples in the upper room the night before his arrest and crucifixion, He was direct and candid with them. He told them difficulty and hardship were coming, and they were going to be persecuted. Understanding their distress, Jesus encouraged them to respond to the adversity with faith, not fear.
I encourage you to meditate deeply on these verses from the gospel of John. Memorize them. Keep them close to your heart at all times.
Note that two times Jesus said to the disciples, “Let not your hearts be troubled.” For added emphasis, the Lord also said, “Neither let your hearts be afraid.” The New Living Translation renders Jesus’ admonition simply as, “Don’t be troubled or afraid.”
There are many people today who are living in fear. Their hearts are, indeed, troubled and afraid. The gospel message speaks directly to them: Give your heart to Jesus. Follow Him, and experience the peace that only He can give.
What about you? Are you experiencing anxiety? Is there a situation in your life that is causing your heart to be troubled and afraid? Are you in the crucible? Are you facing a Defining Moment that is triggering fear?
Remember:
- The enemy wants you to walk by fear. God wants you to walk by faith.
- You give the enemy access to your life through fear. You give God access to your life through faith.
- Where your mind goes, you go. If you dwell on self and circumstances, you feed your fear. If you focus on the Lord and what needs to be done, you feed your faith.
- Courage is not the absence of fear. It is trusting God so that your faith is stronger than your fear.
Let not your heart be troubled.
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26.3)
Coram Deo
