John 14.1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
Sounds to me like a troubled heart is a choice. That is what the words “let not” mean. Jesus had taught these 12 men for three years, Judas, the traitor has left them. Jesus is about to enter into His darkest moments on earth in preparation to be made sin for us. The disciples were told that they would be persecuted, hated and eventually martyred for their faith in Jesus. Knowing this, Jesus tells them to believe in Him and not be afraid. Beloved brothers and sisters in Jesus, believing in Jesus is heaven’s medicine for our troubled hearts.
Speaking of the last days, Jesus said and ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. When we see the very things happening in the world that Jesus said would happen prior to His Second Coming, He tells us to not be troubled. How can one not be troubled? Only by looking to Jesus and keeping our eyes on Him. Because He is Lord over all affairs of men on planet earth, we needn’t be troubled.
Being frail and fractured people, like Martha, we get as easily troubled by the simple things of daily needs. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. How can one not be troubled when in the midst of hosting a dinner at our home, a bible study breaks out, and my assistant takes off her apron and decides to take a break and sit in on it? Only by looking to Jesus and keeping our eyes on Him. Because He is Lord over all affairs of the smallest details of our lives, we needn’t be troubled.
The beautiful 46th Psalm reads, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
A simple word for today, dear ones. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Troubles are inevitable until we go home. That is what Jesus is saying here inJohn 14.1-3. Faith in Jesus’ care, love and presence is God’s medicine for our troubled hearts.
