“Do not let your heart be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me.” John 14:1, TLV

Troubled Heart?   Why is Jesus consoling the disciples? He is explaining about coming events that are disheartening. Once again, His followers have certain expectations of what Yeshua should be doing. Like giving the Land of Israel back to them. Instead, He’s talking about leaving them.

“Master, where are You going?” Simon Peter said to Him.

Yeshua answered, “Where I am going, you cannot follow Me now; but you will follow Me later.” (John 13:36, TLV)

“Let your heart not be troubled . . .” No small task, is it? Yeshua (Jesus) is preparing His followers for His humiliating and gruesome death and eventual departure from this world. Because, based on the comments and questions from the disciples, they are indeed troubled.

Once again, it appears they have certain expectations of Yeshua, and leaving isn’t part of that expectation. Their expectations were more like “conquer the oppressors!” Or “give us favor by showing us Your Dad!” “Zap the apostates!” It a wonder Jesus didn’t pull out His hair in frustration.

Hold Lightly . . .

I wonder if most of my troubled heart stems from inaccurate expectations — from God and others? When what I hoped — and prayed — for doesn’t come about, it is unsettling. Troubling. One of my wise friends gave me the phrase, “Hold things lightly.” I think I’ll add, “Hold expectations lightly.”

We may confuse faith with expectations, i.e., if we have enough faith, God will come through. I don’t see that proven in Scripture. What I do read is that without faith it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).

Hmm. Maybe, faith is not about God fulfilling our expectations but about pleasing Him.

Whatever we pray for, whatever we hope for, it should be with the understanding, not my will, but God’s will be done. Just like His Son prayed (Matthew 26:39; Luke 22:42).

How could we ever be troubled when God’s will is done?