Pastor's Corner: Do not be troubled

We will face many troubles in our own lives. Maybe you have lost a loved one. Maybe your health is declining, you are in chronic pain, lost your job, relationships have broken, situations of suffering and trial. The most troubling time for the disciples was when Jesus told them that He was going away to where they could not follow before His crucifixion (John 13:33). Jesus gave the disciples and all Christians five reasons to not be troubled.

The Way. The first reason we should not be troubled is because we know the way to heaven (John 14:1-6). Jesus encouraged the disciples by telling them that He was preparing a place for them in heaven. Heaven will be every believer’s home. How are we going to get there? Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (verse 6). The way to heaven is believing in Jesus Christ, having our sins forgiven because of His sacrifice on the cross (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Then we too are on our way to heaven, our eternal home.

The Father. The second reason we should not be troubled is because we know the Father (John 14:7-14). Jesus was the perfect representation and revelation of God the Father (John 1:14, 18; Hebrews 1:3). Jesus the Son of God has the same nature and character of God the Father. He gives access to the Father as we become children of God by faith (John 1:12). When we are troubled, we should turn to our heavenly Father in faith and prayer.

The Helper. The third reason we should not be troubled is because we have the divine Helper, the Holy Spirit. The term “Helper” means one who comes alongside to help, to encourage, to comfort, an advocate and an intercessor. The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, guides and teaches in truth, strengthens Christians through trials and empowers Christians for life and ministry (John 14:16-17, 26). We should not be troubled because we have the Holy Spirit abiding in us and helping forever.

The Home. The fourth reason we should not be troubled is because we have the Trinity at home in our hearts (John 14:18-24). The disciples felt like Jesus was abandoning them, but instead they would begin to experience spiritual union and communion with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit greater than ever before. Jesus said that love, faith and obedience would lead to the Triune God making their home in the believer’s heart (verse 23; John 15:5; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 John 4:15). We should not be troubled because the Holy Trinity is with us and in us always.

The Peace. The last reason we should not be troubled is because we will have the peace of God (John 27-28). The Hebrew word for peace, “shalom” means wholeness, health, tranquility, security. It means no worries, no conflict, no troubled hearts. The God of Peace is in control, working everything out for our good (Romans 8:28). “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (PhiIippians 4:6-7). God bless you as we prepare to celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace this Christmas season (Isaiah 9:6).