John 14:1 (KJV)

What does this mean?

Jesus is sharing his last meal with his disciples, and he knows what is coming, his arrest, his death, and their fear. He tells them not to let their hearts be weighed down with trouble, and to put their trust in God, and in him, too. The verse puts trust in Jesus right beside trust in God, which is exactly who Jesus is claiming to be.

What does this teach us?

Trouble is real, but it does not have to rule your heart. Jesus does not tell his friends to stop feeling afraid, he tells them where to put their trust when fear comes, and that trust has a name.

How can we apply this?

When your heart is troubled tonight, try this: say what troubles you out loud, one thing at a time, and after each one say, 'I trust you, Jesus.' Let the trust be spoken, not just thought, and let it steady you before you sleep.

Related KJV passages

• “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

  John 14:27

• “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

  Philippians 4:7

• “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

  Isaiah 41:10