Embrace His Second Coming
Don’t Be Troubled

Scripture Reading:  John 14:1-8

Key Verse: John 14:3

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

As we close out this first week’s theme of Jesus’ second coming, we should heed Jesus’ words in our title for today’s devotional: Do not let your heart be troubled.  Let’s start with the decision of these words: “Do not let.”  Jesus is telling us that we have a choice on what we let trouble our minds.  Many people act like they are victims of their thoughts.  They seem to believe they have little or no control over what they allow to bother them.  The truth is: we have the power to choose what troubles us.  We can determine not to worry or fret.  Our minds are powerful and we can direct that power to think on positive things or negatives.  Jesus is telling us not to be troubled, but to replace our worries with trust.

            Not only does our verse have a decision for us to make, it has a promise for us to claim.  Jesus said that He would be going away—back to heaven—to prepare it for us to join Him some day.  He described this place as large and roomy—plenty of space for every believer.  Jesus promised that if He went away to prepare this place, He would come back for us to bring us to be with Him forever.  That is a glorious thought, leaving a world of trouble and sinfulness to live forever in a world of perfect conditions.  We can trust Jesus’ preparations.  He will leave nothing undone—it will be worth it all!

Father, I want to live today like it might be my last day on this earth.  Please remind me when I start to wander from the reality of your return.  In Jesus’ name, amen.