John 14:1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.

This well known verse is deceptively simple. Whether you translate it as “believe,” as is traditional,” or “trust,” as the NIV and several other modern translations do, it comes across that faith/trust is a choice. This should come as no surprise, because this idea is central to the whole Bible, and particularly the New Testament. After all, there’s no point in commanding something that is automatic! Paul’s statement to the Philippian jailer is a good example: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved – you and your household.” (Acts 16:31) Jesus’ statement here also includes self control: “Don’t let your heart be troubled.” We don’t often think of that as something we can control, but again if Jesus commanded it, it’s possible. We don’t like to admit that we really aren’t at the mercy of our circumstances, because doing so accepts full responsibility for how we act. It’s much easier to use “psychobabble” and excuse ourselves, but that isn’t the way to maturity, or even peace and genuine happiness. If we really choose to trust God, then we indeed won’t be anxious about anything but will walk in peace and joy. (Philippians 4:6-7) I frequently tell people that human free will has got to be one of the most valuable things in the universe, because it was important enough that God gave His Son in order to preserve it. If there were no free will, there would be no sin and therefore no need for a Savior. Our time on earth is so that we may learn to exercise that free will correctly, not destroying it but deliberately submitting it to God, just as Jesus did in the Garden of Gethsemane. (Matthew 26:39) God delights in children whose wills are both strong and submitted, and such children are happy and blessed indeed.

Once again I have written something that applies as much to me as it does to anyone else. I often deal with people who let their hearts be troubled over one thing or another, and sometimes I’m one of them! Just yesterday I was reminded of how unnecessary that is, as an issue that has severely troubled others and threatened to trouble me is clearly on the road to a good resolution. When I am frantic I have no peace to share with others, so I cannot fulfill the tasks that are laid out for me. Knowing my own weakness, I must never look down on anyone for their lack of faith, but as Jesus did for His disciples, I am to point out in love that they need to keep growing in faith.(Luke 8:25) I don’t want them or me to miss out on any of the peace and joy that God has prepared for us!

Father, thank You for all that You are doing. Thank You for the situation just mentioned, that was good training for me to trust You and give You thanks before I saw the resolution. I pray that Your resolution would continue to be worked out on Your schedule, for the blessing of many. I ask for Your anointing on the Watch Night service tonight, that all present may be fully aware of Your presence and filled with Your Spirit as we go into the new year, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!