The Troubled Heart – Pastor Tola Odutola visiting from Jesus House Baltimore, Maryland.
(John 14:1) “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.”
(Ps 3:1-3) “LORD, how they have increased who trouble me! Many are they who rise up against me. Many are they who say of me, ‘There is no help for him in God.’ But You, O LORD, are a shield for me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head.”
Watch video. Note: Pastor Odutola’s sermon starts 17 mins. into play »
David made the above statement following great tribulation…shortly after his son, Absalom, raised against him, and he had to flee for his life!
People have troubled hearts for a variety of reasons. Consider a father and a breadwinner who loses his job and is on the brink of losing a house he’s midway-through payoff on an accelerated 15-year mortgage; another who loses five loved ones in a year including both parents; and a mother who loses her baby only four days after delivery.
There is every reason to be troubled. But Jesus, in (John 14: 1), counsels against nursing a troubled heart. “Let not your hearts be troubled” He says “you believe in God, believe also in Me.” This means one could make up one’s mind not to be troubled regardless of untoward goings-on.
Trouble can be defined as mental or spiritual agitation which leads to physical disorder. A troubled heart exhibits emotional or behavioral problems. (Pro 15:13) says “A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.” (Pro 18:14) adds “The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, But who can bear a broken spirit?”
Causes of Troubled Heart
- When it appears God is not answering prayers (Ps. 30:7)
- Distress (Lam. 1:20)
- Bad News (2 Chro. 20)
- Uncertainty & Fear (Gen. 15:1-3)
- When you lose a loved one (2 Kgs. 4:20-37)
The answer can be found clearly in scriptures, via a statement made by Jesus Christ:
(Matt 11:28) “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Why don’t you lay down your worries and troubles down at the feet of the greater Comforter the world has ever known. If Jesus Christ has made that promise, then it’s guaranteed!
