Your companion

“Do not let your hearts be troubled.” John 14.1

These words of Jesus imply that we have a choice about whether or not to be troubled by the things that impact us. After all, it would be very unfair of Jesus to command us to do something that we have no means of achieving.

Anxiety often seems to develop without warning and certainly without any deliberate choice; something might disturb us and a troubled heart kicks in. How can we change this seemingly natural progression?

The context of this whole section of John’s Gospel guides our thinking. The disciples were about to face a troubling time of enormous proportions when everything they believed in was about to be shaken. In preparation for this, Jesus reminded them of the reality of who he was – a reflection of the Father. He went on to reveal that even when he left them, the Holy Spirit, who is just like him, would be their companion. As they learned to trust this new companion and live in his presence, they discovered they were not alone in the situations facing them and they could look to the future with a new confidence.

The wonderful assurance that we are all living temples of the Holy Spirit means that we can hold on to this truth with confidence – whatever you face, you are not alone. In the day ahead, take this truth seriously.

Why not listen to John’s one-minute talk on “living in a thin place” where Jesus is so close.

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