Rory Sorvala | The Voice of Zion September 2018 --
Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me.—John 14:1
In this text, Jesus speaks to His disciples. He is telling them that He must depart to the Father in heaven. He turns their thoughts to reaching heaven one day, saying that “ye know the way.” He knew that the departure of their Lord and Savior would distress them. He knew that His “little children” would feel lost and troubled. As His disciples, they were identified as Christ’s own and would be tried perilously and persecuted for their faith. Therefore Jesus comforted them: “Peace I leave with you.”
We Are Often Troubled on Every Side
These times we live in can cause a believer to feel troubled. We hear about disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes and wildfires. Scientists report changes in global weather. Corruption is especially evident in social issues that go against the teachings of God’s Word. There are many trials and challenges in our personal lives as well. Such issues bring concern to the child of God.
The enemy of souls continuously attacks the walls of Zion. Currently there has been much need for believers to gather and discuss how the foe has attacked with its endeavor to break the love. With this the enemy uses the rumor mill and our weak flesh to make the matters worse. Even the child of God can begin to worry, doubt and tire on the journey.
The Heavenly Father does not want us to be comfortless. Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians: “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed” (2 Cor. 4:8,9). Paul reminds his readers that we must allow hope to prevail.
Yet We Are Not without Hope
We must keep the hope of heaven in our hearts. The Heavenly Father is fully aware of concerns of this time. They are beyond our ability to control. Amid these events we seek a safe haven. It is written: “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings: that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy” (1 Pet. 4:13,14).
Through life’s events the Heavenly Father tries our faith so that our lives would bring all honor and glory unto Him. The aforementioned current events also speak to those that are yet outside God’s kingdom and find themselves without hope and security for their undying soul. The Bible encourages such a one to seek God while He may be found. “If ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you” (2 Chron. 15:2).
God Is Our Comfort and Strength
Peace and safety are found in God’s kingdom here on earth. The familiar words of Psalm 23 ring forth: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Jesus has said, “Fear not, little flock; for it my Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32). The words in song of Zion 391, “Cast all your cares and sorrows on Him who cares for you,” relate a comforting message to the weary traveler.
The psalmist also writes: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea: Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof” (Ps. 46:1–3). Our source of strength is faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and in God, who sent Him to be our Savior and our righteousness.