Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled

As Jesus faced the prospect of leaving His disciples on earth to proclaim the Good News, He knew these men would have a tendency to become fearful and discouraged. Perhaps they even would give up unless they received regular comfort and strength from the other “Helper,” which was the Holy Spirit (John 14:16).

In order to prepare them for what was to come, Jesus warned, “Let not your heart be troubled” (John 14:1). What a great reminder for us as well.

Perry and I have experienced many personal trials and challenges during our years of ministry. Yet it seems we’ve never seen as many Christians struggling with stress, frustration, or depression as we see today. Our friends in the medical field have told us they’re stunned at the number of devoted Christians asking for pills to handle their anxiety and depression.

While medical treatment is sometimes necessary, often the roots of our problems are more spiritual than medical. When emotional turmoil strikes, the real problem may stem from guilt, shame, unforgiveness, or some other factor that is weighing down our mind and spirit. Or maybe we’re troubled by spending sleepless nights worrying about our jobs, our marriage, or our children.

The Bible says to cast our cares upon the Lord, for He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). Have you ever watched someone casting a net into a lake to catch fish? Casting a net involves an energetic, forceful thrust that propels the net to the targeted area.

In the same way, casting our cares means more than praying a simple, quiet prayer to gently request strength. It requires a decision to forcibly ask God to lift our cares and remove our heaviness of heart. We must boldly cry out for the help we need: “Lord, lift this heavy load I’m carrying, and give me Your strength!”