Few experiences are more disturbing than navigating life with a troubled heart. Such feelings can lead to overwhelming worry or a sense of inadequacy, undermining your emotional well-being and robbing you of joy. When fear intensifies these emotions, anxiety escalates significantly. It is crucial to embrace Jesus' teaching: "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27).
The word "troubled" in John 14:27 comes from the Greek term "tarasso," which means "to agitate, disquiet, make restless, stir up" (Thayer's Greek Lexicon). This word depicts someone who is shaken and uneasy. If these feelings are not quenched, they can lead you into fear. This is why Jesus said, "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
The word "afraid" comes from the Greek word "deilos," which describes an overpowering fear that leaves you spineless. Fear robs you of the ability to confront problems head-on and forces you into survival mode, where you lack the courage to face what lies before you.
Paul used the Greek word "deilos" in 2 Timothy 1:7 when he told Timothy, "God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
When Paul wrote this verse to Timothy, Timothy's problems were real and not just from his troubled feelings. Paul didn't want Timothy's emotions dominated by a spirit of fear that would make him a coward. Shrinking back from facing his problems would not help Timothy or anyone else. So, Paul told Timothy that allowing fear was not the will of God; the Lord had fortified him with a completely different kind of spirit—one of power, love, and a sound mind.
Jesus understands what we face! God did not design us to be overcome by our emotions! He designed us for peace in the storm! That is why we must quickly learn to take control of our feelings and speak aloud to ourselves: "I will not let fear control me! Jesus is Lord over every problem I give Him, including this one right now!"
Many years ago, when I allowed troubled feelings to grow into a paralyzing fear, I wish I had spiritually understood the power of the Word. I could have avoided many terrible issues. Had I understood that nothing stands against its power, I could have turned to John 14:27 and repeatedly recited these words of Jesus to myself. Now, I do. Now, I meditate on all of His Word. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for revealing the power of the Word to overcome anything in my life! Jesus has known me from the beginning. He understood what I would encounter in life, so He prepared me in advance on how to handle it. I will not let problems that upset me tear me apart or allow fear to take over and cause me to shrink back cowardly from any challenge.
Allowing yourself to remain emotionally troubled, distressed, and fearful will never benefit you! It will obstruct your progress in the race God has set before you! So take Jesus' words seriously and refuse to let your heart be troubled. Jesus would never instruct you to do something you are unable to do. Trust that you are fully capable of confronting your problem head-on.
Your soul consists of your will, mind, and emotions. For your heart to not be troubled or afraid, your mind must be renewed by God's Word until His truth becomes the foundation of who you are (Romans 12:2). Renew your mind with His Word repeatedly. Meditate on it. Speak it. Capture those thoughts! Quench those feelings! Refuse to receive fear! Instead, give your worrisome feelings to Him. Let Him be Lord over them, and receive His peace, power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7, Philippians 4:6-7). The enemy may hit your mind with troublesome thoughts, but your heart will be at peace.
God created you to reign in life (Romans 5:17). You possess the spirit of power, love, and a sound mind within you. You can realign negative emotions with God's Word even in deeply challenging situations. Decide today that you are not someone who shrinks back (Hebrews 10:39). Instead, you belong to those who align their souls with God's Word and rise as overcomers in this life!
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