Troubled Hearts

When we have troubled hearts, to whom can we turn?

“Jesus Himself suddenly stood in their midst and said to them, ‘Peace be to you.’ But they were startled and frightened … He said to them, ‘Why are you frightened, and why are doubts arising in your hearts?’”—Luke 24:36–38 NASB

Luke began his chronological account of the Gospel with the story of Zacharias. This priest and his wife, “advanced in years,” were unable to have children (Luke 1:7). One day, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to Zacharias, and he was “troubled” (Luke 1:12).

Luke closed this book with the story of other men who had troubled hearts. After Jesus had appeared to two men on the road to Emmaus, they were telling the other disciples about their encounter, when Jesus Himself suddenly was there! His message was simple: “Peace be to you,” but they were “frightened.”

Both Zacharias and the disciples had seen and heard unsettling things. But in both cases, they received a message of peace, encouraging them that God was in control of their circumstances.

They had been troubled because they didn’t completely trust Him; they weren’t confident in His sovereignty or prepared for His supernatural intervention.

Our hearts can easily become troubled by events in the world or by things we have seen or heard. We might be fearful and doubtful. The problems we face seem overwhelming and hopeless.

Remember, God is sovereign over all of creation. He has a plan for you and for the world. Because He is with you, anything is possible. If your heart is troubled, turn to Him. Commit your needs to Him. Have faith in Him, and receive His peace.

Reflection Question: Which situations are you committing to God’s control today?