The following is from the Great Experiment blog, posted on March 13th. It’s a reflection on John 14:1 – “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.”
Like the Scripture from my last post on Friday, this Scripture was also part of a funeral I officiated last weekend. It’s one of the most frequently used passages at funeral services. Jesus speaking with his disciples offers them comfort and reassurance as the time of his death and departure grows near. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me,” is his calm reassurance.
It makes sense that we would use these words when we are facing the death of our own loved ones and struggling with the significant lose that their departure represents for us. We’re troubled. Our hearts are stirred up. We are unsettled and unsure of the future. Jesus says, “You believe in God; believe also in me.” Jesus says, “Trust me. I have it all under control.”
It may not occur to us to meditate on this Scripture as we contemplate prayer. However, in all circumstances of our lives - large and small - this should be a calming and reassuring message. Whenever we are troubled, unsettled and unsure, we need some rock to hold onto and we find it in Christ. When we call out in prayer because our family is dealing with death or long-term illness – our hearts do not have to be troubled. When we pray and ask God for answers to problems that seem insurmountable – we can have peace. When we seek guidance and discernment for the direction of our lives – we can be sure that God is in control.
Don’t let your heart be troubled. Instead, believe. In believing, we find peace and reassurance. We are reminded that he is faithful. That the Lord is with us. That He is on our side. And our hearts are not troubled.
~Godspeed
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