Let: Will We Allow Fear and Worry?

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you . . . Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

Have you ever noticed how little words in scripture (or anywhere for that matter) can have great significance? Last year I blogged about the giant impact of the word “us” in Hebrews 12:1. Today let’s look at John 14:27 and focus on another little word—the word “let”.
When Jesus spoke the words above to the disciples, He had just shared the Last Supper with them and told them He would not be with them much longer. He then spent time comforting them and telling them about the Holy Spirit, whom He promised He would send to them.

Jesus’ reassuring words at such a critical time in all of their lives still hold great comfort for us today, but they hold instruction as well. He told the disciples then and is telling us now not to be afraid, not to let our hearts be troubled.

By using the word “let”, Jesus shows us that we have some control over our anxieties and fears. He exhorts us not to allow them to overtake our hearts.

Experiencing pangs of worry or fear about life situations is natural and happens to all of us. It’s what we do with those initial feelings that matters in the long run.

Do we dwell on our worries and fears and allow them to grow larger by the minute, or do we honestly acknowledge them and then take them to the Lord in prayer? Do we spend time and precious energy imagining worst-case scenarios and desperately trying to think of fixes, or do we relinquish our burdens into our Father’s capable and faithful hands?

We don’t have to “let” anyone or anything steal the peace that Jesus promised us. It’s as real and available to us today as it was to the disciples. Let’s listen to Jesus. Let’s not allow our hearts to be troubled. Let’s give our worries and fears to Him.

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

*Sometimes anxiety can be a symptom of a physical problem. If you suspect that at all, be sure to see your doctor.

*Do you have a favorite scripture about worry or fear that you’d like to share?

*Flickr photo by kelsey_lovefusionphoto

Comments

  1. Jeremiah 29:11 is my main verse for worry because I know that God knows the plans he has for me, for welfare and not calamity. Greatly reassuring.

  2. Thanks for sharing, Jana. That’s a favorite verse of mine, too. Blessings to you!

  3. My mind has let loose on a few occasions this past week. I’ve had to rein in my thoughts and re-program them with scripture. It’s never easy to do so, but it is so worth it! We live in a troubling world, but we also have access to the peace of Christ.

    And you know how I feel about peace!

    Have a beautiful weekend, Cheryl.

    ~elaine

  4. We don’t have to “let” anyone or anything steal the peace that Jesus promised us.

    Love that! Thanks for the reminder…

  5. When I get worried and fearful the verses in Matthew 6:28 come to mind: “And why take you thought for clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin.”

    So I must remember to be at peace like the lily, which does not fret or labor, yet night and day it grows through God’s grace.

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