Peter was probably still reeling over what Jesus had just told him: “Will you really lay down your life for me? I tell you the truth, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”*
He was probably hearing roosters everywhere! Poor Peter. He couldn’t win for losing. But Jesus knew that, and I’m glad he did, because his words that begin the fourteenth chapter of John’s gospel are just what I need:
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.
John 14:1
We’re going to sit on this one verse today, because I need it, and I have the feeling you do too. Either way, Peter did, and so did the other disciples sitting around the table that night. Jesus had spoken about his betrayal and his death, though I know, without the Spirit, they really didn’t grasp it all. Still their hearts were burdened.
What does Jesus tell us to do when our hearts are troubled? Trust.
Do we just throw our trust anywhere or on anyone? No, we trust in the God who loved us so much that he sent his only Son to make the way for our salvation, and we trust in Jesus, whose obedience to God and love for us led him to give his life in place of our own.
They alone are worthy of our trust.
However, have we forgotten that? Have we let our troubled hearts shift our trust to things that “seem” more tangible?
- Our family
- Home
- Job
- Money or savings
- Government
- Health
- A vaccine
- Self?
Are you trying all these things, but finding your heart remains troubled and disturbed?
Your trust is misplaced.
Pray through this verse in confession to the Lord, returning your trust where it belongs:
In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.
Isaiah 30:15
Don’t let your heart be troubled, trust in Christ and let him quiet your spirit and renew your strength. The world has enough troubles of its own, let Jesus have yours.
Grace and Peace
John 13:38 (NIV)