“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.” –John 14:1
Is there something about our nation that has you worried today? The economy, racial tension, decisions (or indecisions) in Washington, D.C., the terrorist threats? The list could get long. How can we not have troubled hearts?
Jesus gets really practical here with His Word to us: Don’t have a troubled heart; instead, trust Me. He doesn’t just tell us not to be worried, which doesn’t work unless there is something that can replace the worry. And that’s right where Jesus places Himself. “Trust Me,” He says. Such trust will be lived out in us as we pray. Are you anxious and troubled about our nation? Take your concerns to Jesus.
Jesus doesn’t want us to have a troubled heart. Confess what is troubling your heart today.
Now, in trust, bring the issues of our nation that trouble you and lay them at His feet.
Lord, it is very easy to have a troubled heart as I look at my nation. We are so divided, and it looks like nothing can bridge the growing divide. It seems like daily there are news stories which indicate that we are moving farther and farther away from the standards of Your Word and Your righteousness. No one seems to have the answers we need.
So, Lord Jesus, I turn to You. I trust You. What no political party or individual can do, I believe You can do. Would You step into this situation and bring about Your righteous purposes? I trust You. I choose not to have a troubled heart, but will instead entrust my nation to You.
Adapted from Desperate for Change, PrayerShop Publishing, 2012. The full devotional is available for purchase at www.prayershop.org