READING: 1 Chronicles 3-4, John 14
Today’s one of those days I just need to hear the Word of the Lord and rest in it. It seems the world continues to go crazy, evidenced by their ongoing rebellion against our Creator. At the same time, even Christ-followers are fighting among themselves—thus weakening our witness. It would be easy, in fact, just to give in to despair . . . except for the words of Jesus in today’s New Testament reading:
- “Don’t let your heart be troubled.” (John 14:1)
- “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever.” (John 14:16)
- “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.” (John 14:27)
My former professor, Gerald Borchert, restates “Don’t let your heart be troubled” as follows: “’Do not let your hearts be overcome with turmoil’ or perhaps, more colloquially, ‘Don’t allow yourself to be intimidated by the situation.’”* If I will simply cling to these words today, that will be a step toward peace and comfort in a mixed-up world.
PRAYER: “God, keep me from being troubled today.”
DAILY ACTION STEP: Write John 14:1 on a notecard, and read it throughout the day—no matter what you face.
TOMORROW’S READING: 1 Chronicles 3-4, John 14
