Troubles

John 14:1
“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.”

In the verse above, Jesus was preparing the disciples for His departure. Jesus talking about going to Heaven must have troubled their hearts. Jesus’ response to the disciples was not to let their hearts be troubled. In other words, Jesus was telling them that what they were worried about was not worth worrying about. He was telling them that they were troubled about something for which they had no business being troubled about. I believe that Jesus’ advice to the disciples is what helped them through many of the troubles they faced after He went to Heaven.

My friend, troubles will come. Troubles in life always tend to bring uncertainty to a person’s life, and that uncertainty can often cause worry. When you read this chapter, you find that troubles do affect your heart. The reason Jesus wanted them not to be troubled is because the heart affects an individual’s actions and disposition. The condition of your heart is what determines what issues in life you focus upon.

What is the cause of a troubled heart? A troubled heart is often caused by the absence of God in your life. It is not that you are not saved; it is the fact that you have left God and focused on something else. A troubled heart is the cause of a wrong focus. It is focusing on your troubles instead of focusing on God. The absence of belief causes a troubled heart. When you stop focusing on God, you stop believing that God can help you through your problems. The answer to a troubled heart is to believe; however, what are we to believe?

First, believe God. The only need you truly have in life is God. When you believe God, every problem that you face in life is inessential because God is greater than any problem or trouble that you face.

Second, believe the way of God. My friend, God knows what He is doing, and He knows the best way for your life. God will never take you down a way that is not best for Him and you. You must trust the way that God is taking you is best for all concerned. Life’s troubles become inconsequential when you believe that God knows what is best for you and you trust His providential hand. You don’t have to see the way as long as you believe that God knows the way.

Third, believe the truth of God. In other words, believe God’s Word and His promises. When life is troubled and your horizon is foggy, look no further than to the Scriptures to get your horizon and direction in life. God’s Word is true no matter what troubles you face. Just because you face troubles doesn’t mean that God’s promises and Word are no longer valid. In times of troubles, always believe the truths of God’s Word.

Fourth, believe the life of God. Never question the validity of the Christian life in troubled times. The Christian life is the right way to live in good times, and it is still the right way to live when life becomes troubled. Don’t look for a different way because times are troubled; rather, keep walking the Christian walk in your troubled times.

Fifth, believe the works of God. When you don’t know what to do, look at the works of God and let them encourage you that God is still with you. Troubles will come, but looking to God’s works will help you to realize that He can handle and already has a solution for your troubles.