In the MIdst of a Storm

Pray – (1/2 minute)

Read – (2 1/2 minutes) – “Let not your heart be troubled. . .” (John 14:1a)      
Passage: Psalm 46:1-10

I enjoy getting together with the people in our local church family for worship each Sunday. I feel blessed as we gather, but I am also reminded of the burdens that people carry. As I walk around and visit with people before, in between and after our two morning service, I visit with as many people as I can and hear many reports and concerns. One recent morning, I heard the news that one of our deacons had passed away in the night. I knew his wife’s heart was grieving. I heard of another person with a close relative in serious condition in a hospital. I heard another person looking for a new place to live and another who was out of work. All these and more were circumstances that caused the people who were close to each one to be disturbed and grieving to various degrees.

On the night before His trial and crucifixion, Jesus had his disciples together in a room in Jerusalem. He spoke of his death, but he also told them that one would betray Him. It wasn’t till later that night, they would realize it was Judas. He spoke of all of them deserting Him. They all claimed they wouldn’t, but Peter made the boldest claim and said he would lay down his life for Jesus. Jesus said that Peter would deny Him three times before morning. All of those things caused the disciples to have troubled hearts. Jesus knew that and told them not to let their hearts be troubled. He didn’t tell them to change the circumstances. They couldn’t do that. What they could do was learn some principles for dealing with the circumstances. He wants you to do the same.

Apply - (2 1/2 minutes)
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Pray - (1 1/2 minutes)