Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.
John 14:1

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.  Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. 
John 14:27

These words of Jesus, spoken just hours before He would be arrested and crucified, speak of His concern and love for the disciples, and also His care of us – the ones who would believe.  They also show that He knows just how the human heart operates!

What does it mean to have a troubled heart?  The word means “to agitate, to cause one inward commotion, to take away calmness of mind, make restless, to render anxious or distressed.”  It can mean “to strike one’s spirit with fear or dread.”  A troubled heart is that inner conflict, often a physical sensation, that causes us to doubt and fear.

We live in a troubling world.  Our culture is accelerating in its decline, sinking farther and farther into immorality and depravity.  The line between good and evil, right and wrong is blurred.  We wonder how we will be able to teach our children and grandchildren what is true.  We wonder what is ahead for our nation and our world.

What is the antidote to a troubled heart?  Believe in God.  Believe in Jesus.

Did you know that Jesus experienced His own troubled heart, so that we could trade ours for His peace?  He says in John 12:27, “Now My soul has become troubled; and what shall I say, ‘Father, save Me from this hour?’ But for this purpose I came to this hour.  Father, glorify Your name.”  Jesus’ work – His mission – His purpose in coming, purchased our peace.  Peace with God, and the peace of God for this troubling world.  The key to accessing that peace?  Believe.

Are you troubled?  Fearful?  Anxious?  Depressed?  Experiencing the peace of God is a matter of faith.  It’s choosing to believe that His word is true, that He is who He says He is.  After Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, the disciples still had to be reminded.  Jesus stood before them in a resurrected, glorified human body, and they still doubted.  They were still troubled.  What does Jesus have to do for you, before you will believe, and experience the peace He offers?

As believers, we have the answer to the world’s troubles.  Let’s act like we truly believe the message of the Resurrection.  Let’s live a life of bold and confident faith in a risen Savior, so that the world around us will see and experience the peace He offers.

Source:  40 Days of Spiritual Awareness, Daily Devotion #36