Scripture Reading

Read: John 14:1-3

Christian Devotions Memory Verse

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.”
(John 14:1)

The Lord Jesus Christ knew the troubles in the hearts of his disciples when he offered this flawless advice “let not your heart be troubled”. He’s fully aware of many reasons why our hearts are troubled: He understands that our inability to see what the future holds for us can cause our heart to become troubled. Jesus knows that sudden fear and deep grief in our hearts can cause it to become troubled. He knows that guilt, impending judgement and sudden death of a loved one can also cause our hearts to melt. Above all, Jesus is aware that what we focus on is the major cause of the trouble in our hearts. Thus, he went further to say “believe in God; believe also in me”.

So, what are the underlie reasons behind this advice to us?

First, God is Jehovah-Shalom (Judges 6:24): Jehovah-Shalom means the Lord is Peace. Jesus knew that it is the Lord of Peace that can give peace to any troubled heart. That was why he asked his disciples (and everyone that is troubled in heart) to believe in God. The peace that comes from the God (Lord of Peace) is an everlasting one; it is a kind of peace that transcends all understanding (Philippians 4:7). This is the kind of peace that a troubled heart needs. A heart that is devoid of peace will be troubled but Jehovah-Shalom is more than enough to restore peace to any troubled heart. If you are troubled in heart, believe in the Lord of peace, focus on him, obey his commandment and call on Him in prayer. He will answer you and peace will be restored unto you.

The second reason why Jesus was asking his disciples to believe in God is because He knows that God is the Alpha and the Omega (that beginning and the ending. Revelation 1:8). Being the Alpha and Omega, God knows the end of a problem from the beginning of it. If you are troubled because you don’t know what the future holds for you, then believe in Him that knows the end from the beginning. Jesus’ disciples were troubled because the future was bleak to them; they were not sure of what will happen after the departure of their master. They were sad and miserable because their master had told them he will soon depart from them. They couldn’t conceive the whole process of salvation. All they could see was a gloomy future that is full of fear and disappointment. But Jesus, having seen the end from the beginning, reassured them by asking them to believe.

Whatever your challenges in life might be, have faith in God. Trust also in him and He will bring every good desires of your heart to pass (Psalm 37:5). What you focus on has a way of affecting your life. So, focus on God. Get good Christian devotions and a study bible and learn more about God. If perhaps you are not yet born again, please do so today and let Christ deliver you from impending judgement that will soon come upon the world (Isaiah 13:9-11). Kindly say this short prayer of salvation and be saved today.
 
Questions

What are the other reasons why Jesus told his disciples to believe in God?

Christian Devotions Prayer Point

Everlasting father I thank you for your love and kindness. Thank you Jesus for being my Lord and Saviour. Please give me the grace to always trust in you. Let not my heart be troubled as I focus on you and your truth (In Jesus name I pray, Amen).