“Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
“Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
“Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
These instructions contained in John 14: 27 bear repeating over and over and over again because how often do we say this, but then fail to do it? We know that Coronavirus, the economic downturn and episodes of civil unrest are just the most recent series of events in these last days that are designed to disturb, depress and frighten you. But while it may be understandable that this prolonged season of high stress, palpable tension and open conflict at every level of society has resulted in a worldwide atmosphere of irritability, our directions in God’s Word are urging us not to allow this to happen. And though we have been given the ability to avoid being entangled in the affairs of this life and the polluting of the soul it causes, does this mean that we will never have any issues that are concerning to us, that profoundly affect us or deeply moves us? ABSOLUTELY NOT! We are all of these things. But just because we don’t act up doesn’t mean we don’t care. We have to live in this world just like everybody else. But Jesus says “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16: 33) Therefore we can have confidence in the mighty God we serve of Whom the prophet Isaiah says “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee.” (Isa 26: 3)
Beloved, please understand that this is more serious than we think. Your adversary the devil has special plans for you. There are wicked forces in the spiritual realm expending energy determined to bring about your demise. Satan’s overall strategy to kill, steal and destroy includes the tactical objectives of sickness, poverty, exhaustion, exasperation, confusion, worry, anxiety, agitation and fear. Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes “I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.” (Eccl 1: 14) And this is precisely the plan. To cause enough inner turmoil within us through trials, tribulation and persecution that it finally manifests itself outwardly in toxic words and behavior. In other words, our enemy’s murderous intentions, as the prophet Daniel revealed, is to “wear out the saints of the most High.” (Daniel 7: 25)
And what is the primary target? THE HEART OF THE PE0PLE OF GOD. If he can load us down with worry, stress us out with anxiety, influence us to be angrily resentful of other’s actions and make us tremble with fear he is accomplishing his mission. Therefore, we who praise the Ancient of Days without shame, those who enthusiastically glorify God in the highest, all who are true ambassadors of Christ that strive to represent the divine nature and glorious character of the Almighty, let us kneel before our Creator, humble ourselves in the presence of the Lord of lords and King of kings because we that are with Him are called, and chosen, and faithful! (Rev 17: 14)
Jesus wants you to know that one of the best ways to keep your heart calm is to keep your mind clear. Be careful what you are looking at, listening to or letting into your head. As it is written, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Phil 4: 8) You may think this is too difficult a task but I declare to you by the Word of the Living God that “you can do all things through Christ Who strengthens you” (Phil 4: 13) and you have been given the power to “bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ”. (2 Cor 10: 5)
And so dear ones, do not permit yourselves to be drawn into conversations of negativity, acts of unkindness or the harboring of impure thoughts. Submit yourselves therefore to God, resist the devil and he will flee from you. Cast all your care upon Him; because He cares for you. Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. For the LORD your God is He that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.
Now is the time to:
“Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
“Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
“Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
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