Day One: Troubled Heart?
Focus Scripture:
John 14 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.
Introduction:
There are a few things common to all people. I’ll not take the time to list them, but today’s scripture mentions one: A Trouble Heart. There are many things that trouble our hearts. Grief can become overwhelming to us. Broken relationships hurt us. Financial hardship and stress can bring us to a point of desperation.
The disciples were facing the news that Jesus was leaving them. He has told them that he was to be crucified. I cannot imagine their despair. I cannot imagine their grief. John 14 is one of my favorite passages, because Jesus speaks into this desperation with a fervent hope that all of us need in our most desperate times.
Jesus Speaks:
“Do not let your hearts be troubled.”
When tough times come…and they will, we are faced with a choice. We can either trust in our own resources; our will power, our strength, our wisdom, etc. or we can place our trust in God. Jesus says,
“You believe in God, believe also in Me.”
In the midst of our trial, our stress and despair can often blind us to the reality of God’s provision. The “noise” of our emotions can often distract us from hearing the hope to be found in the promises of Jesus. Jesus knew the minds of his disciples were reeling with the news of His departure. He centers them on this truth: we’ll be together again.
“In My Father’s house are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.”
Jesus is saying, “I’m going ahead of you to prepare a place. Then, I’m coming back and we’ll be together again. This separation is temporary.” Guess what? So are those circumstances that are troubling our hearts. Lean into Jesus and believe that He’s got you. He’s not abandoned you. He’s gone before you and prepared the way. He’ll show you. Just ask.
Day Two: The Way
Focus Scripture:
4 And you know the way to the place where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”
Introduction:
Have you ever lost your way? A troubled heart can lead us to confusion and misdirection. In the midst of our confusion, we will make “wrong turns” spiritually and end up travelling roads that lead to more heartbreak and chaos. Into the troubled hearts of His disciples, Jesus makes a bold proclamation: “And you know the way to the place where I am going.”
Thomas Speaks:
Thomas answers, “Oh, no we don’t. We don’t even know where you are going.” Let’s be honest. There are times when we have no idea what God is up to in our lives. We don’t understand. We feel lost and abandoned. That’s not the time to be silent. Be like Thomas. Speak up. God never intends to leave us hurt and confused. The Bible tells us that God is not the author of confusion, but of peace. (1 Corinthians 14:33). When we lack wisdom, God tells us to ask for it, believing, and it will be given. (James 1:5)
Jesus illustrates that truth, right here. OK, Thomas, you need direction, listen up. “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Jesus gave Thomas his answer and He will give us ours, too. Our problem is that we often look to the world for wisdom and answers. Seek the Lord. Lay your doubts and fears before Him and listen and see what He will do.
Application:
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 is a series of practical admonitions we can apply this week.
Verse 16: Rejoice always. – That can be a tough one when all you feel like doing is weeping. Just remember that our joy is in the Lord, not in our circumstances. We have reason to rejoice, no matter our circumstances.
Verse 17: Pray without ceasing. – Talk to God about it…whatever “it” is. He wants to hear from you. Talk candidly with God about how you are feeling, what you desire, how much you need Him. Ask your questions. Then, listen. Read His Word. Listen.
Verse 18: Give thanks in all circumstances. – A grateful heart brings contentment and peace. Even in the most dire times, we have reason to thank God. He has not forsaken us. His love will never leave us. He sees and knows our troubles. His provision is complete. Give Thanks!
Why? The second phrase of verse 18 covers it: For this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.