Life Talk Devotion 06/27/2024
Have you ever been lost in the woods all by yourself and could not find your way? It can be an anxious time and even a bit terrifying. Being lost is frustrating enough but being by yourself makes matters that much worse. That was my situation some years back.
I got separated from a group and found myself wondering around in a large forest that I was unfamiliar with. I always prided myself in having a good sense of direction, but with no compass and no cell phone service I finally had to admit to myself I was lost. With that realization, the forest began to look and feel very overwhelming. The sounds of the woods grew louder as my anxiety fueled the moment.
Just as total frustration set in, off in the distance I heard voices calling my name. Hearing those voices instantly brought relief to an anxious situation. It was my friends calling my name that provided the focus and direction needed to find my way.
Life can seem like an opposing wilderness we are lost and wandering within. We get twisted and turned around losing our bearings; unsure whether to turn to the right or left as life presses in. All of which is a natural human experience. But there is a voice who will lead us to the “safe place” in life.
Even the first followers of Jesus Christ were not immune to such experiences. We see in the Gospel of John towards the end of Chapter 13 and in 14, Jesus begins to reveal the events of the future to the disciples including His leaving them to return to the Father. This initiates a feeling of anxiety and uncertainty among His followers.
Jesus senses their apprehension and voices words of comfort and direction for them – “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.”.
Even when one of the disciples, Thomas, still expresses worry (verse 5) and asks “How can we know the way?”, Jesus gently offers affirmation that directs his focus away from fear to faith and trust in Him. “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
Fear of the unknown and stressful circumstances often rob us of peace. But faith chooses to takes its eyes off the situation and focus on the One who is greater than the events swirling around them. This is the lesson Jesus is teaching His disciples here because their world was about to be up-ended and forever changed.
Near the end of chapter 14, Jesus reiterates His words of comfort but adds a promise. “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (v27). Again, Jesus is refocusing their attention away from the circumstances to trust in Him but adds the assurance of peace. His peace is a priceless gift to all who trust in Him especially when our world is out of control.
When you find yourself wandering in the wilderness or when your world is shaking, remember Jesus’ words – “Let not your heart be troubled”. Jesus Christ is the “safe place” we can rest in.
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