April 1, 2014

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." John 14:1-3

In this very well-known and well-loved portion of Scripture Jesus shares a secret for how to overcome anxiety: TRUST!

It is hard to trust and be troubled at the same time!

What troubled the disciples in this instance was the news that Jesus was going to be leaving them.

That is easy to understand!

Who isn't troubled by the thought of losing someone very dear to them?

I find that troubling. But I refuse to let that troubling thought overwhelm me. I will choose to trust Him in my anxious thoughts!

Here's why I know I can trust Him.

I can trust Him because he cares for me!

How do I know He cares for me?

In the context of these statements Jesus is staring at the shame and suffering of the cross, but rather than being concerned for Himself he cared for His disciples so they would not worry.

If He cares like that, I will trust Him with my troubles!

Not only does He care for me, He prepares for me!

In these verses He promises to go and prepare a place for me in "His Father's House". I like that! I like thinking about Heaven as "the Father's House" and I like that Jesus is preparing a place JUST FOR ME!

If He prepares for me He must really care for me! I can trust Him with my troubles!

Why should I let my troubles overwhelm me when I can trust a Savior who cares for me and prepares for me?

Do let your heart be troubled!