“Why can’t this world be at peace?”
That question came to mind as I scrolled through social media today. News of war and the threat of a global crisis felt overwhelming. Even though major conflicts are happening thousands of kilometers away, the anxiety still finds its way into our homes, even into our hearts.
But honestly, how do we hold on to faith when everything feels so frightening? Does faith mean turning a blind eye to reality? Or is there a deeper kind of assurance that Jesus gives to those of us living in this anxious world?
To guide us, let’s look at Bill Crowder’s reflection on Jesus’ words in John 14:1.
As John 14 opens, Jesus reminds His disciples that they can trust Him. His words would have been a voice of calm in the midst of their confusion—and it can be in ours as well. “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me” (John 14:1).
These words were not spoken to tranquil people enjoying a pleasant evening together. Jesus spoke those words to men like Peter who were grief-stricken, troubled, and confused. In response to their hearts, Jesus gave two thoughts of comfort:
Stop letting your heart be troubled. This is a negative command, and it is strong. The word troubled means “stirred up, disturbed, thrown into confusion.” Literally, Jesus was saying, “Stop the shuddering and trembling of your heart.” Heart speaks of the seat of understanding, the private world, the part of you which makes you “you.” In the core of who we are, Jesus says to stop being troubled.
Why were their hearts troubled? Fear of the unknown, of the future—perhaps most of all fear of themselves. Jesus told them to stop allowing fear and confusion to reign in their hearts. It is important to notice, though, that Jesus didn’t simply say, “Don’t worry, be happy; everything will be just fine.” He gave them a reason to stop being troubled. He gave them Himself as their reason for peace.
Believe in God, believe also in Me. Jesus didn’t simply tell them to buck up, keep a stiff upper lip, or get over it. He gave them a starting point for peace— trust. He challenged them to allow their confidence in Him to overcome their fear and despair. Jesus’s words challenged them to believe in Him in the exact same way that they had been taught to believe in God.
Swimming in their fear, these words were a lifeboat. Words that offered rescue and safety. It was as if Jesus were telling them (and us), “You will fail, but I never will. Believe in Me and trust Me during the dark hours ahead. I will not fail you or abandon you, even though you will abandon me. You can trust Me—no matter what you are facing.” His promise of peace is directly linked to our trust in Him and His ability to bring us through.
For followers of Christ on this side of the cross and resurrection, this confidence is even more profound. We have experienced the reality of the victory won by His resurrection. The One who conquered death has never failed, and He won’t now (see 1 Corinthians 15). We can have peace—His comfort is real and His promise is trustworthy (Romans 5:1-2).
Read Also:
Finding Peace in a Troubled World
Dive deeper to discover comfort and a clearer understanding of Christ’s promises in the Discovery Series e-book “Finding Peace in a Troubled World” by Bill Crowder.
Our Daily Bread Ministries in Indonesia is supported by the freewill offering of individuals in Indonesia, who through their gifts enable us to continue to bring the life-changing wisdom of the Bible to many here. We are not funded by any church or organisation.
