JOHN 14:1-6 – ““Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.” Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
THEME OF THE DAY: LET NOT YOUR HEART BE TROUBLED. His disciples were gripped with fear and anxiety. Jesus was leaving them, and they could not follow Him. The cross was coming into view, and likely thoughts such as, “If our Master is going to be tortured and crucified, what will happen to us?” And Jesus, the Good Shepherd, offers them words of promise, words of comfort, and words strengthening them to remain true to Him.
We face many anxieties and fears as we follow Jesus too! It may not be the fear of persecution leading to martyrdom, but it might. But our anxieties and fears are real. There is the devil, roaming about as a roaring lion seeking to devour us (1 Peter 5:8). The world also is a cruel foe against the believer in Christ. It is like the Sirens in ancient Greek mythology who with irresistible and alluring appeal lure sailors to their destruction. We also experience the anxieties and fears of sin and the results in a culture going mad and godless. Yes, we are people subject to many things in life causing us fear and anxiety, and the words Jesus gave His disciples are great helps for us too.
Jesus strengthens them by challenging them to exercise faith over feelings – “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.” Anxiety and fear wreak havoc in our hearts, and if not checked by clinging to God’s promises, the emotional turmoil inside will paralyze us spiritually. But we are overcomers in Christ as we exercise faith in His Person, Promise, and Presence. The 17th century Puritan pastor John Flavel gives us great advice about this type of faith that defeats feelings . . .
“If we thoroughly understand and believe what power is in God’s hand to defend us, what tenderness is in His heart to help us, and what faithfulness is in His promises, our hearts will be calm – our courage will grow stronger and our fear will grow weaker.”
Another thing Jesus does to quiet the hearts of His followers is to get them to look beyond their circumstances to their future in heaven – “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also”. Focus our thoughts on Jesus’ return and being with Him forever. Anxiety and fear cannot dwell where hope and the assurance of heaven are cemented in our hearts and minds.
Our Lord gives us plenty of reasons and helps to silence the loud voices of anxiety and fear. Spend time and listen to Him and enjoy the peace coming from His promises.
PRAYER: Father, I praise You for the sure promise of Your Son calming my anxieties and fears I encounter in this life.
REFLECTION: Jesus provides not only our eternal salvation but peace in the midst of life’s many trials and storms.