Do Not Let Your Heart Be Troubled

If there is one thing I believe people need to hear right now in light of all the pandemonium going on all over the world tonight, it is this: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27 NIV) Read that aloud and slowly several times. Let it sink deeply into your heart and mind.

I promise not to utter one political word here tonight, but I want to offer hope and comfort to everyone who needs it right now. Whether you are distressed with what is happening in the news, or if you have a personal battle going on in your life or with someone close to you, this is for you.

For the past few days, all we have to do is flip through FOX News, CNN, MSNBC, HLN, and all the network news shows, and we are continually bombarded with some horrifying images of some frenzied extremists bent on destroying the morale of our nation, even our nation itself. I won't speculate as to the real motive, but I don't think a cheesy movie trailer is the real root of all of this madness. It gets a bit scary when some of the events hit a little closer to home. If you sneak away for a moment and come back to the news, the situation seems to have escalated even further. We don't want to keep dwelling on such disturbing images, but we don't want to miss anything either! It is out of control!

If all of that is our focus, what a gloomy mindset that will consume us! As a matter of fact, if we begin to let our imaginations run amuck, we can create in our minds quite a nasty outcome for all of this lunacy! We can so easily succumb to fear and despair if we allow ourselves to sink into this mire of gloom in our minds. I think the following description speaks very clearly of how some are feeling either about the current world events, or maybe even about a personal struggle they are going through. "Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world…" (Luke 21:26a NIV) Or, this translation might be more familiar to you: "Men's hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth…" (NKJV)

Well, I sure am glad we don't have to give in to fear! Rather, peace is our heritage; love is our heritage; and a sound mind is our heritage! We must keep the proper perspective, no matter what is troubling our hearts. We may not be able to run and hide from it, but we can establish our thoughts in the middle of it. We can trust the hand of God that is holding us and will lovingly carry us through. It is faith in God that will keep us grounded no matter what happens. I agree that we should stay informed, and it is important to read or watch the news. As Christians, we will be a more effective light in the world if we stay informed and are able to respond intelligently. However, we do not have to dwell on it or let it trouble our hearts. If you have a personal struggle, the same message applies. Do not deny it or hide from it, but do not let it defeat you either. Stand up to it boldly with a strong and faith-filled heart! You are a victorious warrior, so think and act like one! "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV)

I want to leave you with some powerful yet comforting words. Pick one of these and memorize it. Let it encourage you every time you need strength and hope.

"This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9 NLT)

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." (Philippians 4:8 NIV)

"God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV)

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
(John 14:27 NIV)

Lastly, here is one of the most beautiful chapters in the Bible to dispel fear and give comfort:

Psalm 91 (NLT)

¹ Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
² This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him.
³ For he will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from deadly disease.
⁴ He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
⁵ Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
nor the arrow that flies in the day.
⁶ Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,
nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
⁷ Though a thousand fall at your side,
though ten thousand are dying around you,
these evils will not touch you.
⁸ Just open your eyes,
and see how the wicked are punished.

⁹ If you make the Lord your refuge,
if you make the Most High your shelter,
¹⁰ no evil will conquer you;
no plague will come near your home.
¹¹ For he will order his angels
to protect you wherever you go.
¹² They will hold you up with their hands
so you won't even hurt your foot on a stone.
¹³ You will trample upon lions and cobras;
you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

¹⁴ The Lord says, "I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
¹⁵ When they call on me, I will answer;
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue and honor them.
¹⁶ I will reward them with a long life
and give them my salvation."