Jn 14:1, 27, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you… Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
About ten days ago, I have realised something which is not immediately obvious when you read these verses – especially in French as I usually do. To start with, John chapter 14 begins and almost ends with Jesus insisting on us not letting our hearts be troubled or afraid. We can easily read this as just an exhortation or an encouragement and miss the fact that what Jesus means is: “Do not allow your hearts to be troubled or afraid.” In other words, it is a commandment and there is an emphasis on our individual responsibility. A Christian must not allow his or her heart to be troubled; this would be akin to lacking faith. This is why Jesus said in vs. 1 that, « Believe in GOD; believe also in me. » He directly links faith with a heart which is not troubled. Besides, the KJV, doesn’t have two sentences but one in vs. 1: “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” It is the same idea which continues.
Those who live in a royal or presidential palace do not worry about food, drinks or transport money. even if there is famine in the land, they will not starve. It doesn’t matter how high oil and gas prices rise, there will always be a car and a chauffeur to drive them where they want to go. Likewise, you cannot be IN Christ and panic. Being IN Christ is being immersed in a supernatural ocean of peace. If you lose your peace, then you must have ventured somewhere alone. Ask yourself where you have left the Prince of Peace and go back to Him. The ball is in your camp: EVERYTHING is entirely up to you.
Paul also gives more than an advice; he basically commands us not to fret about anything, but to turn to GOD in faith, so that the peace of Christ remains: « Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to GOD. And the peace of GOD, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds IN Christ Jesus.” (Phil 4:6-7) Then, in vs. 8, he adds: « whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. » Therefore, we must always watch over the entrance of our minds/hearts like guards: “It’s ok, you are pure; you can go in. You, you are not commendable, back off! Where do you think you are going, you not-worthy-of-praise thought? Go away! Fine, you are just; you can stay.”
Let us imitate David. This is what he used to do not to let his heart be troubled. He would say: “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (Ps 103:1-2) One can read this and only see a man who is praising GOD for his blessings. But one can also see a man who is in charge of his soul and who brings it under marching orders: “I’m talking to you, you my soul: heart/being and I command you to bless the LORD!” Go and do the same.
Shalom!
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