We live in an uncertain world, and the current times add uneasy instability to an already shaky world. When sin entered in, Adam and Eve lost their relationship with the Lord, and they also gave the legal right for evil to enter the world. This created fear and insecurity in man, which the entire creation is subject to and is groaning about.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV)
“Do not let your heart be troubled. You have put your trust in God, put your trust in Me also. John 14:1 (NLV)
Praise God for sending Jesus to remedy the deep chasm with our Holy God! We now have access to God and can exercise our faith in restoring our relationship with the Lord that was lost in the Garden. This restored relationship gives us the opportunity to trust God and rely on Him instead of being overtaken by fear!
According to Strong’s Concordance: Troubled (G5015) means:to agitate, trouble (a thing, by the movement of its parts to and fro)
to cause one inward commotion, take away his calmness of mind, disturb his equanimity
to disquiet, make restless
to stir up
to trouble
to strike one’s spirit with fear and dread
to render anxious or distressed
to perplex the mind of one by suggesting scruples or doubts
Jesus tells His disciples that in the world there is much trouble and that the believers are not necessarily immune from it. The Good News is that He overcame the troubled world! Since Jesus overcame the world, He has empowered us not to be troubled but to be courageous and confident!
Sometimes we have the ideal notion that one day we can fix all the issues in the world through education, understanding, acceptance, inventions, and cures, and then everything will get better. Obviously, we should all do our part to make a difference in our the world and have a positive impact. However, the ills of society will continue to go on because evil is still in operation in this world. Sin also continues to operate in every human being who intentionally or ignorantly has given permission to the enemy to use him/her as a tool of the enemy.
If we allow the troubles in the world to get inside of us, they will leave us anxious, disturbed, and restless. We cannot control others’ decisions including our children, but we can choose our source of trust and stability. Jesus promises that He can be trusted and that we no longer have to live in bondage to fear.
What is troubling you today? Have you allowed the cares of the world to overcome your faith? God has an answer and a plan for your troubled heart. Look to Him and meditate on His promises. Trust His love and His plan for your life today!
I will continue with this subject in the next devotional.
