The Secret to "Not Letting your Heart be Troubled

I don't know about you, but I've read John 14 many times and wondered how to practically live out Jesus' instructions to "not let your hearts be troubled."

He gives this command twice in this chapter so it's not a flippant suggestion. He really wants us to live in such peace that negative circumstances don't stress us out.

But that seems impossible, right?

Well it is if we don't know the secret which is to guard your heart.

If you're a parent, imagine for a minute that someone was trying to cause your little one harm. You're going to guard and protect your child even if it costs you your life.

In the same way that you would guard your little one it's vital to protect your heart from all the negative thoughts that bombard us on a daily basis.

If our peace and restfulness depend on how things on the outside are going then we'll always be stressed out because what’s on the outside is usually beyond our control.

This doesn't mean that we're completely oblivious to what's going on in the world or that we ignore the tough stuff we go through, but it does mean that in the midst of all of this we can have an inner peace and strength knowing that He's taking care of us.

But how do we practically live this out?

Play hot potato. Do you remember that game as a kid?

In the same way the "potato" is quickly tossed to the next person, when negative thoughts attempt to grab hold of you quickly reject them and meditate on His promises and love for you until they take root in your heart.

It may take practice, but keep at it and you will find an inner peace and strength to face each day’s challenges and come out on top!