Hope for Troubled Hearts
Scripture Reading — John 14:1-3
“Do not let your hearts be troubled.”
—John 14:1
The Bible does not ignore trouble. From the garden in Genesis to the final battle in Revelation, trouble is a part of the picture. Even here in the room with Jesus and his disciples there has been trouble. Jesus has spoken of Judas’s betrayal and Peter’s denial. While the intimate picture John paints of Jesus’ last hours with his disciples is beautiful in many ways, it is not a perfect picture. And for this we can be glad, for our lives are not perfect pictures either.
A spiritual song that came out of the United States’ use of slav-ery says, “Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen.” Not one of us gets through life without encountering difficulty and pain. Sometimes our trouble is so deep, our pain so profound, that it’s hard to have hope. If this describes your life, know that Jesus’ words are for you. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.”
Please notice that Jesus is not saying we should simply ignore or minimize our troubles. No. Jesus’ instructions are simple: Trust the Father; trust me. That is what’s needed. That is what brings hope to a troubled heart. Trust the One who holds your future. Trouble does not have the final word. Trust Jesus, who has given his life to secure for you an eternal home and who offers hope for your troubled heart today.
Loving God, thank you for Jesus and for the hope he offers. Help me to trust that you hold my future and that Jesus is preparing a place for me. In his name, Amen.
About the author — Ruth Boven
Ruth Boven serves as minister of congregational life at LaGrave Ave. CRC in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She and her husband, Greg, have two adult children. They find rich purpose in urban ministry and delight in enjoying the wonders of God's good creation.
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