John 14. 1-6
What steps can you take to overcome the fear & anxieties that keep your away from a deeper relationship with God?
Jesus told His disciples, ‘ Don’t let your heart be troubled; you have faith in God, so have faith in me also’.
Chapters 14-17 in John’s Gospel present to us what is known as the Last Supper Discourses, also known as the Final Discourses.
These discourses are a series of homilies our Lord gave to the disciples the night he was arrested, full of symbolic imagery.
Jesus speaks of the Holy Spirit, the advocate, the vine and branches and concludes with Jesus’ High priestly prayer.
In these homilies, Jesus addressed coming persecutions and troubles, so he exhorted them to not let their hearts be troubled; in other words- don’t allow themselves to be fearful.
When Jesus said, ‘Let not your heart be troubled’, and looking a little closer, we find that it is not a request but a gentle command. Our Lord knew his disciples would soon see him arrested, falsely accused, mocked, beaten, and finally killed. Jesus knew to witness all would stress his followers becoming overwhelmed by fear that they too may suffer such treatment. The disciples’ vision and hope of a better world through Jesus would come crashing down in disillusionment.
The Many Faces of Fear
Fear can come to us from many different sources. Some fear can be helpful to us and protects us from harm. However, there is another fear that is just plain unhelpful or highly destructive to us.
The fear that Jesus pointed out if the disciples succumbed to it would cause them to make irrational decisions, confusion, hopelessness and despair.
Jesus loved his followers and wanted them to succeed in spreading the Good News, and fear would cause them to withdraw from their calling and mission. Therefore he commands them not to be fearful.
What causes you to fear at times?
Many people struggle with anxiety, worry and fear for many different reasons. If you struggle with this, allowing Jesus’ words to resonate within your mind and soul is vital.
Trusting in Jesus is the Cure for Fear
The best way to overcome fear is to deal with it at its source. Hear Jesus say to you, listen to his command, ‘Let not your heart be troubled’. ‘ You have faith in God and also have faith in me’. When we have faith, we put ourselves under God’s control. We hear his voice clearly, which settles our hearts and calms our fears.
It is God’s truth that comforts us and helps us to overcome the difficulties we are facing. Fear can lead us to irrational thinking. Irrational thinking can lead us deeper into confusion. Confusion will lead us to fear. It’s a never-ending cycle of destruction designed to rob and destroy our faith in Christ.
Reflection
Reflect today about what causes you to worry, fear and be anxious and deal with it at its core. Allow Jesus to call you to faith in Him through the scriptures and holy sacraments. When you have faith in God, you’ll be amazed at what difficult things you can endure. The disciples eventually endure their crosses.
Allow Jesus to speak to your heart so you can endure and overcome whatever is troubling your heart today.
Let’s Pray
My loving shepherd, you know all things. Give me the courage to face every temptation and trial so I may not fear but have complete confidence in you. Bring clarity to my mind and peace to my troubled heart. I love you Lord….
Jesus, I trust in you. Amen
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Remember to live life on purpose, in Hope. Faith and Love
Paula Rose Parish💕
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