The Girl Next Door ☎︎: Let Not Your Hearts Be Troubled

I have been extra anxious...worried...stressed...these past few weeks. But God has been so faithful to provide me with just the right scripture to bring me comfort...peace...confidence...and joy. God has led me to John 14 at least 3 times during this time. To speak to my fearful heart, He simply reminded me that I have the Holy Spirit inside of me.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27

Let not your hearts be troubled. Why? because we have the very spirit of God inside of us! He helps us to obey, love, and recall all God has taught us. Before Jesus left earth, He promised His disciples that He would give them peace through the Holy Spirit. The disciples were filled with anxiety over Jesus' departure. They had gotten so used to walking and talking with Jesus face to face...they didn't know how they could live without Him! Jesus knew the sorrow of their souls like He knows our hearts in the midst of adversity.

"Be not ruffled and discomposed, be not cast down and disquieted...Keep possession of your soul when you can keep possession of nothing else. The heart is the main fort." Henry

No one compares to the Holy Spirit. He is always with us, always for us, and always working on our behalf. Here are a few things the Spirit does:

The Holy Spirit...

Empowers us to believe in God.
Replaces Jesus' earthly presence (which Jesus says is a pretty good deal in John 16:7)
Leads us to a deeper knowledge of the Gospel.
Divinely strengthens us to undergo trials on behalf of the Kingdom.
Helps us remember and understand the words of Jesus.
Reveals God's truth and helps us live it out.
Leads us in God's ways.
Exalts Jesus in all that He does.

Christians often go through the motions and forget the force that drives their faith! The Spirit is doing something beautiful within us...something God is pleased with. When we read the Bible, it isn't just us and God's Word. It is us, the Holy Scriptures, AND the Holy Spirit opening our heart, eyes, and minds to understand what we are reading! We are taught by the Spirit of God Himself! We can't find a better teacher than Him. Not even the most intelligent theologian, inspiriting pastor, or deep commentary could trump the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit's teachings are flawless because they always point us back to the Jesus.

So what is the remedy to a troubled soul? FAITH. Believe in God. Believe in Jesus. Believe in the Holy Spirit. Comfort your soul in His character and do not ignore His Spirit inside you.