"Do not let you hearts be troubled."

So many times recently, and ever since I have come to know the Lord, scripture has been such a blessing, encouragement and tool for me. I know that's what it's here for, but a lot of times when I get stuck in a rut, stuck feeling weary and sad I don't turn to it like I should.

These past days, weeks, and months have been some of my most difficult in many different ways. I am facing things that I never thought I would face. I am learning new, hard things(including every muscle and bone in the body :D). I am trying to fix things, maybe too fast. I am standing up, but finally not by myself, with people who love me and more importantly a Lord who will carry me and never fall. In John 14 Jesus says "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God."

"Do not let your hearts be troubled." Hmm. That's something to think on. Thinking on this from a superficial point of view I can easily say ok to that, say I'll relax and put my trust in God. Deep down though, it's not that easy for me to do. My heart is troubled. I'm troubled with confusion, fear and sadness. I'm troubled that maybe I wont come through this time in a way that is pleasing to Him. I am troubled. "TRUST IN GOD." I do. I do. I do. But not enough. I'm scared of earthly things, I'm scared that maybe I'm not doing the right thing. In John 14 when Jesus tells (most of) the disciples that he will be leaving, they are confused too. Thomas doesn't know the way, Philip wants proof. Jesus, with patience replies by repeating himself in a way, and adding a couple more things. He tells them that he is the way, the truth and the life. He tells them to have faith and he gives encouragement by telling them of the Spirit of truth. I think Jesus started out with "Do not let your hearts be troubled" kinda knowing that they would be. But he was ready to give comfort and encouragement.

I am, by no means, a theologian. However I do know that I am encouraged. I know that scripture is powerful and a blessing. I know that even when my heart is troubled that Jesus will not "leave us as orphans; he will come to us". I know that, not only because it is in scripture, but because I have been rescued from so much. I just need to remember that more often.

We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:1-4