“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.

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 and do what I ask. 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).

When God’s will is done—regardless of the outcome—we can find our rest in His peace. Yes?

Think More About It

Have you ever struggled with having expectations about God? How did you overcome those disappointments? Love your insights and testimonies.

May we settle in the place of peace by trusting in His will.

Praying for Israel—Prayer Prompts

Why, ADONAI [LORD], are You standing far off?
Why hide Yourself in times of trouble?
In pride the wicked hotly hunts the poor.
Let them be caught in the plots they have planned.
For the wicked one boasts about his soul’s desire.
The greedy one curses, reviling ADONAI. Psalm 10:1-3, TLV

When trials and tribulations arise, God doesn’t mind a bit of fear and doubt—at least concern. What He wants is for us to land in His peace. So, this prayer we can speak on Israel behalf—or ours—and know that we can’t stay in the place of fear. Amen? God bless you.