Let Not Your Hearts Be Troubled

For the last few days, life had been a roller coaster ride with Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

The disciples were troubled men. They just had learned that Jesus was leaving them. Then he announced that one of his own disciples would betray him and another would deny him. They were dismayed, so, Jesus spoke to their fear and anxiety. Knowing their anguish, Jesus said his famous words, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” (John 14:1).  These words convey firm conviction but were likely spoken with a gentle tone. Most important for us is to realize that these words are also for all of us today who are troubled and anxious by many things.

Today we are plagued by anxiety, rising crime, rising costs of living, rising gas prices, incompetent and corrupt government, wars, and escalating violence on a level we have never witnessed. Jesus told us how to deal with our anxiety—it was simply to trust in God and trust in him. When we trust God, we obey him.

I have experienced God through the peace that came to me when he forgave my sin. This was my conversion from sin to salvation. Secondly, I have experienced God through the years. His presence has been with me and has made himself known to me in many ways. Namely, is the still small voice with which he often speaks to me. Thirdly, I have experienced God with the hope of an eternal home. I know that death is the earthly enemy, and my life will end one day, but that will not be the end for me. My life with Jesus in heaven will only have just begun.

Jesus tells his disciples to put their faith totally in him. Then he said, You know the way to the place where I am going,” (John 14:4). Thomas did not understand, so he asked “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” (John 14:5). Jesus responded with this incredible answer:

“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

Jesus is “the way and the truth and the life.” He is not one of many ways but the only way! He is truth and He is life! If we follow Jesus, we will be on our way to life—eternal life because He is the way. He becomes our GPS system. Each day we begin by following him—all the way to heaven.