Many find comfort in these words – but for me, they can cause angst. It’s the word “let” that causes problems for me. I mean, what am I supposed to do when the trials and problems of life really do give me pause or cause me to have fear?
I know – I know – I know what you Christian folk are saying, “Jan! take the thought captive, bring the thought into submission with the will of God!” Trust me – I KNOW!! But that word “let” still gives me a lump in my throat.
I joyfully minister to many. There are issues where the money is just not nearly enough to meet the obligation. There are issues where the illness cannot be defeated. Marriages that are dying. Loss of loved ones that cause family issues in the midst of grief. OR – Maybe your life is on course and you are not only joyful but prosperous. That is what I tell myself when I encounter people who tell me not to allow myself to worry. I say to myself that they have no idea what it is like to be in my shoes! What about you!?
Well, I Thank God for His Word! These words were spoken by the very Son of God, and knowing that Jesus said the words tells me that it really is possible for me to disallow my heart from fainting at the first sign of trouble.
I go on to read Christ’s words in Matthew 24 as he describes the perilous times the world will face but he reminds those that follow Him that they are not alone. And then I remember that the Word of God gave me another “let” that gives me power and strength – “Let this mind be in you that was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5)– and as I continue to read His Word and allow Him to speak to me I am reminded that if I have the mind of Christ I cannot be troubled for it is against the mind of Christ for me to have a troubled heart or mind even when all around me seems full of trouble. Then I remember that He also told me that if I could only remember at all times that He has already overcome the world – I will know that I too will overcome.
Now, let me say that my heart began to feel lighter and the lump in my throat was less uncomfortable. Let me also be clear that though my situation may not have changed – I am hopeful, truly, that He desires to, and will indeed, work it all out for my good and for His glory. So today, you know – later on after I start thinking about my trouble again – the moment it seems that my heart just might faint, I will not let my heart be troubled, instead I will start singing, clapping, dancing and praising Him in advance of my deliverance! As I praise – it will lift my heart from trouble to a place of triumph and I will not be able to stop myself from rejoicing.
Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled! As my mama always told me, “Just trust in the Good Lord!”
Loving Christ - Living Christ 