March 31
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. John 14:1
This verse is one of the most frequently cited verses for comfort. It is found at the beginning of Jesus’ farewell discourse to his disciples. In this passage, Jesus is preparing his disciples for his departure and the trials they are about to face in his physical absence. At this point, the disciples are deeply distressed. Jesus had just told them that he would be leaving them (John 13:33), that one of them would betray him (John 13:21), and that Peter would deny him three times (John 13:38). It’s understandable the disciples were feeling disheartened, worried, anxious, and filled with fear and questions. The Greek word for troubled is tarassesthō, which means being stirred up, agitated, and in a state of chaos. With all that has just preceded this opening verse in chapter 14, it is an appropriate description for what the disciples are experiencing.
Even with all that Jesus just told the disciples and their chaotic inner feelings, Jesus says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” I wonder if the disciples stared at Jesus with a look of disbelief. Did you just say to not let our hearts be troubled? Really? How? After all you just told us, you tell us not to be afraid or worried? How are we supposed to do that? Jesus isn’t dismissing their feelings of fear or worry. Those are natural feelings - and understandable in this setting. However, a “troubled heart” is something believers can resist through faith. Jesus is appealing to his disciples to maintain inner peace despite the current circumstances. Life can be crazy and chaotic. Situations and circumstances can leave us feeling worried, anxious, and distressed. Jesus challenges us that even when our life may be spinning out of control and we have many questions, our hearts can be at peace and free from trouble.
What is the remedy for a troubled heart? Jesus gives his disciples the answer in the second part of the verse. “You believe in God; believe also in me.” The disciples were devout Jews so they already had a foundational belief in God, the Father. God was their anchor - their solid ground. Jesus says that same trust and faith they have in God they must also have in him. In telling the disciples to “also believe in me,” Jesus is making a radical claim of his divinity. Trust in God. Trust in him. Believe in God. Believe in him.
What does this mean for us today? We can acknowledge fear and anxiety without letting it rule our hearts. Instead of focusing on the troubles, we shift our eyes to the person of Jesus and the promises found in him. This leads to a peace that passes all understanding and to a path of stability. There will be trouble. There will be difficult situations and circumstances. But with a focus on Jesus and a belief in God, we can have a “trouble-free” heart.
Father - You know the things that agitate my spirit and cause fear and anxiety in me. Your word says to “not let my heart be troubled,” and I ask for Your help to obey it. When life feels chaotic and overwhelming, remind me that peace is not found in the absence of chaos or my circumstances. Peace is found in Your presence. Fill my heart with Your presence and the peace only You can give. May my faith in You be the anchor that holds me steady when the storms of life come my way. Calm my spirit and steady my mind. Give me courage to walk today with a heart that is at peace. Thank You for Your Son and the peace I have because of his sacrifice on the cross. You are a good, good Father. In Your name we pray. Amen