A Heavy Heart
I had never noticed it before. I had read this particular passage on many occasions, but I had overlooked this one little phrase. Jesus was saying, "in my Father's house are many mansions... I go to prepare a place for you" (John 14:2 KJV). But before Jesus said those words-- he made a comment that "stopped me in my tracks" a few days ago. One little line, "do not let your heart be troubled".
To be honest, it seems like a large part of the time I do have a troubled heart. There are other words that could be substituted, do not let your heart be... worried - depressed - stressed - discouraged - frustrated. Whatever word you want to use, it is still a troubled - heavy heart.
What prompted Jesus to say this? Peter had asked, "Lord, where are you going?" (John 13:36). Jesus basically responded by saying, "where I am going--you can't go right now". Peter was frustrated, depressed, and didn't understand. Peter had a troubled heart. The next three words by Jesus were the key to a troubled heart, "trust in God". Not simply trust, but notice the object of our trust, "in God".
Do you have a troubled - heavy heart today? Let the words of Jesus speak directly to you and your situation, "Do not let your heart be troubled. Trust in God..."