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DO NOT LET YOUR HEART BE TROUBLED: Troubled Hearts
[perfectpullquote align=”full” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” John 14:1[/perfectpullquote] John 14 is one of the greatest chapters in the Bible. It consists of two conversations Jesus had with His disciples. One that focused on heaven and the work ahead for Jesus. The second conversation is announcing the imminent arrival of the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ purpose in His words were to prepare the disciples for His upcoming departure, and prepare them for the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives that would drive them as the leaders of the1st century church.John 14:1 provides words of comfort to the disciples from Jesus. The first part of the verse is a call to peace while in the last part Jesus declares that trusting in Him is the same as trusting in the Father. Jesus had humbled himself taking the form of a servant so that salvation would be available through his sacrifice on the cross (Philippians 2:5-11). In this, Jesus modeled for us how to trust the Father in every aspect of our lives – even in death. He spent His life doing the Father’s will on a path that He knew would eventually lead him to a cross of redemption.
I have noticed in all my children there is a desire to please me. They want to know their father loves them and is proud of them. When they do something good, sometimes they will look at Amy or I for approval and affirmation. It is one of my greatest joys to encourage my kids on their journey. When they have anxiety and I am invited into the issue, I have the privilege of just being there for them. I can’t solve their problems (most of the time), but I can listen and be available to assist in whatever they might need. It has been my pleasure to watch them mature in all areas of their lives. God showed His pleasure in His own Son when Jesus was baptized by saying, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:11)
Our Father in heaven sent Jesus Christ to planet earth so that we might have relationship with Him and never be alone. God meets us in our anxiety, extending the grace only He can give in every situation. We have the privilege of being the hands and feet of Jesus, and this includes engaging troubled hearts and encouraging trust in God.
The Psalmist gives great insight about how to respond to our troubled hearts in Psalm 46:1-3:
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling.
When we are troubled we must remember that God is in control and is watching over us. When we seek His approval, He has already given it to us through the salvation that Jesus paid for with His blood. The Father’s Son works on our behalf to meet us in our greatest needs. Do you believe that? How long has it been since you felt the approval of God? Do you understand how much He loves you? Let not your heart be troubled, because God loves you and will never leave you. Rest in these truths today as we walk through this season.
– Pastor Chuck
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