It was the night before the darkest day. The evening before Life’s death on a cross.
Jesus gathered together His closest friends. The Lamb of God shared the Passover meal with His disciples. During their Last Supper, Jesus spoke words of encouragement to sustain His followers in the days ahead.
Jesus said “Do not let your heart be troubled (afraid, cowardly). Believe [confidently] in God and trust in Him, [have faith, hold on to it, rely on it, keep going and] believe also in Me.”
(John 14:1 AMP)
Unspeakable trials & tribulation would storm into the disciples’ lives in the hours ahead- betrayal, denial & the horror of crucifixion.
Yet Jesus urged “Do not let your hearts be troubled”
There’s so many things to trouble us. Inner struggles. Family stresses. Illness & death. Conflict & Disasters. World politics.
Unexpected, unwanted & unexplained things.
There’s much to shake & unsettle us, to perplex us & cause anxiety.
Yet, in the midst of everything we face, Jesus wants us to believe in Him, to trust Him. He will give us the strength to keep going when we feel spent. We can hold on to Him when we feel lost. We can rely on Him when we feel alone.
On that night before He bled & died for us, Jesus said, “I am leaving you with a gift-peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
(John 14:27 NLT)
When we’re facing a storm, He brings calm. Where there’s chaos, Jesus brings peace. It’s His gift to us- a balm for our souls. Shalom peace for mind & hearts.
May you know this peace from God.
May you know this God of peace-
When storms are raging,
And in the halcyon days
When it feels like winter in your soul,
As well as in the hopeful times of spring.
{now & always}
Blessings,
Ruth x
Blessed! 