Powerless Troubles

My Nanny used an expression that still makes me giggle: whenever someone would get all riled up about something, she would say that person was "in the stew." Nanny was known for her delicious stew (or hash as we called it). I can't even remember all the ground-up things she put into it but it was a family favorite! Life's situations, circumstances, relationships, uncertainties are hard to navigate; the enemy uses these things to overwhelm us and put us ... in the stew. Jesus' time on earth drew near; as He spoke of coming events, His disciples were confused and troubled. Jesus comforted and encouraged them with these words: "Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me" (John 14:1 NASB). As Jesus said to His closest of friends, He says to us today: don't let things of this life with all its moving parts cause you inward commotion, to take away your calmness of mind, to disturb and disquiet you, to make your spirit restless or stir you up within, to strike you with fear or dread, to render you anxious and distressed, to perplex your mind and lead you into doubt. With tender assurance, Jesus adds, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." (John 14:27 NASB). This peace he promises is beyond understanding and comprehension - it's a calm of soul and spirit when calmness seems unlikely; it's confident hope rather the wringing of hands; a trust in something beyond the moment's chaos; a rest in the most restless moment. Trouble needs no invitation into our days - it comes boldly and does its best to takeover, settle in and make itself right at home. Give your troubles to Jesus and they quickly become ... powerless troubles.