Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. (John 14:1, NIV). Our Lord Jesus was not a pessimist. He was, however, a perfect realist. He said that in the last days, people’s hearts would fail them for fear. He said there will be a time of trouble such as never was, a tribulation so intense that unless God shortened the days, no flesh would be saved. (See Luke 21:26; Matthew 24:21-22 KJV.) Jesus was a realist. Christians must be, too. The word “believe” is found approximately 100 times in this single book, the Gospel of John. Almost every one of the 21 chapters in John has the word “believe.” Let not your hearts be troubled. It’s true there are troubles around us. It’s true there is death on the highway. It’s true there is tragedy in the home. It’s true there’s alcoholism and crime and political corruption-and religious scandals, too. It’s all true. But, “Let not your hearts be troubled.” Jesus says, I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world (John 16:33). Our hearts will be troubled and they will be afraid if we let them. But if we look at what we have in Christ, our hearts need not be troubled even in this trouble-filled world. In the world, trouble. In Christ, peace. – Des Ford Eli’s Reflection: Do you have peace inside of you? Really? If you need more peace, spend more one-on-one time with Jesus. Courtesy of Good News Unlimited