Thoughts, attitudes and motives can (and do) affect our hearts. Troubling circumstances, troubles caused by others”™ words, actions and criticisms”¦all affect our relationships with others and with God.

Peter was greatly concerned about Jesus leaving him behind”¦to wherever He was going. Jesus immediately went to the heart of His disciples”™ troubling thoughts. He dealt with this issue when He said:

(NASB) John 14:1 “DO NOT let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.”

When troubling circumstances happen in our lives (and they will), as followers of Christ our only recourse is to “¦ follow Christ”™s commands, actually putting them into practice every day.

What did Christ Jesus say? “DO NOT let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.”

That sounds so”¦lame. Yeah, right”¦when cancer is diagnosed in ourselves or a loved one, we”™re not to be troubled?

What Jesus said, He means! Have you heard of family”™s facing a catastrophe of illness, or finances, or other threatening events? If they are trusting God in their circumstances”¦what a witness!!!

I know of at least one such family”¦they have trust in God despite the diagnosis. Whatever the outcome, Jesus is at work in their circumstances.

How sad it is when families and individuals are without faith, without hope and without trust in God.

Wise words which encourage me:

(NASB) Proverbs 3:5-7 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart

And do not lean on your own understanding,

6 In all your ways acknowledge Him,

And He will make your paths straight.

7 Do not be wise in your own eyes;

Fear the Lord and turn away from evil.”