Daily Companion  |  11 April

SEE THAT YOU ARE NOT TROUBLED

And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. - Matthew 24:6 (NKJV)

There was a sound of firework during an eve of Christmas and a young man, passing by heard it and thought it was a gunshot, started running. Asked by another passerby, "why are you running?" “They are shooting guns, run!”, he shouted in panic. He also joined him running and soon the whole street was in commotion, troubled and everyone got panicked. It was later discovered it was a sound of a banger. 

 It appears the things we hear trouble us more than the things we see, and our perception plays a significant role in how we react to panic situations. Being worried, anxious or fearful is not a good way of reacting to situation. Panicking, being troubled or being fearful distorts your good sense of thinking. It may lead to taking hasty and damaging decisions. Hypertension, heart failure,  depression, psychosis, maniac disease or bipolar disorders have been attributed to being anxious and responding negatively to troubling situations. 

Several times, our Lord Jesus had either warned or commanded that we be not troubled. “Let not your heart be troubled.” (John 14:1). “Do not worry about your life” (Luke 12:22). "Do not worry about tomorrow" (Matthew 6:34). He said, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things (Luke 10:41 ). Are you another ‘Martha’?

The fact that Jesus commanded us against being troubled means we have power to control anxiety and worries. We can choose not to be troubled. There will be wars or rumours of war, physical and spiritual. Calamity or chaos may strike: see that you are not troubled, Jesus said. Yes, we may receive disappointments here and there. There may be troubles in our homes, relationships, finances, business, or health; still see that you are not troubled. They could be fierce and life-threatening, in all, see that you are not troubled. 

Dear friend, make no mistake, not getting worried does not mean you are not concerned. It does not mean you don't care. It does not mean you are heartless or hard-hearted. No! It rather means you have a strong heart; you have peace of Christ inside you, a courageous heart; a heart full of hope and faith in Christ (John 16:33; Psalm 112:7; Colossians 3:3). Of course, we can refuse to be troubled and still care and show our concern and compassion and above all, have firm control of the situation.

Beloved, when troubling situations arise, remember first that you have power to control your reaction to it. Some troubling situation may after all not be unreal but a mere drill or fireworks as in the above story. First, See that you are not troubled. Stop, Breathe, be Still and Pray (not a panic prayer though).  Access the situation with a positive and strong mind. Remember God’s word. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in the time of trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled... (Psalm 46:1-3). May you not be troubled. Amen!

Today’s Recite:  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God (Philippians 4:6).

Today’s Morning Prayers: Oh Lord Jesus, I thank You for Your Peace. I receive Your abundant grace to be at peace at all times, to be not troubled. Be my hope, my strength, my anchor. In my peace, and calmness, make all wars cease in Jesus name I pray. Amen!

Today’s Hymn: WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE JESUS

Today’s ReadMe:  1 Kings 11 - 13