A troubled heart is a heart filled with worry, is easily agitated, is restless and upset more often than at peace. Most of us have experienced one or more of those descriptions at some point in our lives. However, Jesus said in John 14:1, “Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in me.” Notice that He said it is up to us to whether we are troubled and not up to God; the decision is ours!

So, how does a person counter these temptations to worry or be distressed? One answer is found in Philippians 4:8, where we are told to think on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, good report, that has virtue. (KJV) Other Bible version use words as noble, honorable, right, admirable, commendable, anything that is excellent or praiseworthy.

When we give attention to the Word of God, and in pray give our requests to God with thanksgiving, God’s peace keeps our heart and mind through Christ Jesus. We are not to fret or be anxious about anything. (Proverbs 4:20, Philippians 6-67)

What we think is our decision, no one else’s, not even God’s responsibility. The responsibility is all ours. That is why it is so important that we know the Word of God – so we know how to fight these “thoughts” that come against us to draw us away from the blessings of God.

There are troubled times surrounding us in this world but that doesn’t mean we have to be troubled by them. Jesus told us in John 16:33 that we would have tribulations (distress, oppression, persecution) in this world but that He has overcome the world. We overcome the world by following His example: by knowing the Word and speaking it out against the trials, tests, and temptations that come against us.

We are instructed to cast down every thought or imagination that exalts itself against God. (2 Corinthians 10:5) That means thoughts that disagree and are contrary to what God says in His Word. Proverbs 23:7 teaches that what we think is what we are. The only way to keep our mind on God and His Word is to monitor what we are listening to, what we are reading, and what we are watching. Our eyes and ears are the gateways to our spirit, so be careful of how you are spending your time. The more time we spend learning how God wants us to live, the more of His peace we will have in our heart and mind.

I challenge you to increase your time with the Lord by reading and studying the Bible. The more time we spend with our Lord, the more we realize which thoughts and imaginations are acceptable to God, and, the more He will keep our heart and mind filled with His peace.  Have a wonderfully blessed week.