John 14:1-6 – “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.  2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.   3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.  4 And where I go, you know, and the way you know.”   5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”  6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” NKJV

I do not know how anyone could fail to recognize that the hour in which we live is a “time of trouble,” or “troubling times.”  It seems that in many ways, mankind has slipped a little farther down the slope of depravity, become more vile, and the violence and corruption are reaching epic proportions all over the world. 

The Bible and our Lord identified the characteristics of these Last Days and gave us numerous warnings and precautions.  Here we find one of the most pertinent passages regarding “troubled times” in the Bible. 

Consider what Jesus says:

• Let not your heart be troubled…

That is an action that each of us is responsible for.  It is a choice, a decision based on a fact that is indisputable and unshakable.  It is based on reason and hope.  It is a direct command for all the followers of Christ.  Instead of succumbing to the temptation to “fret” and become “fearful,” we are to dismiss our “troubled hearts.”

• You believe in God, believe also in Me…

That is the foundation upon which the command is given – Our Faith in God and the Lord Jesus Christ.  If we genuinely believe God, then “fear” has to depart because “perfect love casts our fear,” and God is Love in Perfection.  He has and will never fail to keep His promises.  His words are more sure than anything we see or know in the natural realm.

• His Promise extends or adds to our confidence…

“In My Father’s House are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you….” The eternal abode awaits us, so what do we have to fear in this life?  Nothing! 

• “I go to prepare a place for you…”

What a promise we have that Jesus is now in preparation of our Eternal Bridal Chamber to spend eternity with him as His bride.

• “And If I go… I will come again… That where I am, there you may be also…”

The ultimate diminishing of fear and trouble of heart.

Jesus identified that to access this promise and provision, we must come “through Him.”  He is the WAY….  He is the TRUTH…. He is the LIFE…. He is the ONLY access to the Father.  There are not many roads to heaven and salvation; it is through the Blood of Jesus alone.  It is through the Atonement, the work of Christ on the Cross.  No other religion, philosophy, or act of penance, NOTHING BUT JESUS!

If you are troubled today, look inside your heart, and ask yourself if you put your entire trust and confidence in Jesus.  If not, then run to him.  May the Lord bless you as you go through your day!