Got trouble? ∙∙∙

Got trouble? ∙∙∙         

Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid. – John 14:27

John 14:25-29

 25 I am telling you these things now while I am still with you.

 26 But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative – that is, the Holy Spirit – he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

 27 I am leaving you with a gift – peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot provide. So don’t be troubled or afraid.

 28 Remember what I told you: I am going away, but I will come back to you again. If you really loved me, you would be happy that I am going to the Father, who is greater than I am.

 29 I have told you these things before they happen so that when they do occur, you will believe.

Tsuris: A Word for Trouble

In Jewish households, when children get into trouble, a special Yiddish word is often used: tsuris. It translates as “trouble, woe, grief, or strife.” When the term “tsuris” is pronounced out loud, it has an unpleasant ring to it and sounds like trouble. It is often used in familiar phrases, such as “You are in such tsuris; just wait until your father gets home.”

Life is full of tsuris. Every day brings its own challenges, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the troubles of today while worrying about what’s coming tomorrow.

We are reminded by the Lord Jesus Christ in Matthew 6:34, “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”

Jesus reminds us not to let the troubles of tomorrow steal the peace we can have today.

The Comfort of a Big Brother

When we were kids, it was easier to face bullies or challenges when we had an older sibling, like a big brother, to step in and protect us. With a bit of imagination, we can envision what it must have been like for the disciples to have Jesus physically present on Earth.

Having Jesus with them was akin to having the ultimate big brother, the Best Big Brother Ever (BBBE). He provided confidence, protection, and security. However, just like with older siblings, there comes a time when they must move on.

The Disciples’ Predicament: Facing Separation

The disciples faced a challenging situation as the Lord Jesus Christ prepared to leave them and return to the Father in heaven. The thought of His departure filled them with sorrow, fear, and a sense of abandonment. They were on the verge of separation anxiety, overwhelmed by the prospect of losing their protector, guide, and friend.

However, in His love and wisdom, Jesus assured them that they would not be left alone for long. He promised to send them another Helper, the Holy Spirit.

The Father’s Permanent Solution

The Father, in His kindness and understanding, provided a far superior and permanent solution to having a temporary big brother. He sent the Holy Spirit to be an Advocate, Comforter, and Helper for each child of the King.

Jesus promises in John 14:16, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever.”

Unlike an older sibling who might move away, the Holy Spirit is a constant presence. He will never leave or abandon us. The Holy Spirit is a permanent gift from the Father, sent to comfort, guide, and strengthen us. Regardless of the challenges we face, we can be assured that we are never alone.

Our Source of Peace and Confidence

Because of the indwelling Holy Spirit, every child of the King can experience peace of mind and confidence, even in the face of life’s tsuris.

In John 14:2, Jesus encourages His disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

The Holy Spirit provides encouragement, strength, and guidance to help us navigate life’s challenges. We don’t have to face trouble alone or give in to fear.

REFLECT & PRAY

Confidence doesn’t come easily for many of us, especially if we’ve never had someone to protect or advocate for us. But as children of the King, we have something far better than a big brother; we have the Holy Spirit, who is always with us.

Father, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. When fear and dread creep into my heart, remind me to depend on the presence and strength of Your Spirit. Help me trust His guidance and find peace in His encouragement.

INSIGHT

Shalom: The Biblical Concept of Peace

The peace that the Lord Jesus Christ provides is unlike anything the world can offer. In the world, peace is often defined as the absence of open hostility or warfare. However, the biblical concept of peace, rooted in the Hebrew word shalom, goes far deeper.

Shalom is “not merely the absence of conflict but a state of completeness, fulfillment, well-being, and harmony.” It represents a life where nothing is missing or broken, “a state of inner peace and wholeness.” Ultimately, shalomreflects a right relationship with God, where righteousness and peace meet and embrace.

The Peace of Christ: The Presence of God

The peace that Jesus offers is not the absence of danger but the presence of God. It is a supernatural peace that “surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). This peace flows from the heart of Christ, drawing us closer to Him and shielding us from fear and anxiety.

As Charles Stanley notes, Christ’s peace is unique because it brings us into His presence, where we find rest and assurance, even in the midst of life’s trials.

Tremendous Promises of Peace

Jesus left His followers with powerful promises of peace and hope, as seen in John 14:1, “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me.” And again in John 16:33, “I have told you all this so you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart because I have overcome the world.”

These promises remind us that although trials and sorrows are inevitable, we can find peace in Christ because He has already overcome the world.

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Peace

The Holy Spirit, given to every child of the King, plays a vital role in helping us experience and maintain the peace of Christ. The Holy Spirit not only gives us courage to face difficulties with confidence, but also teaches and reminds us of the truths found in God’s Word. As stated in John 14:26, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”

The Holy Spirit acts as our teacher and guide. He helps us grasp and internalize the truths of God’s Word. He prompts and reminds us of what He has taught us, enabling us to use the Word of God effectively and confidently.

Living in the Peace of the Holy Spirit

Since the Holy Spirit resides within us, we can rely on the truth, relax, and experience an otherworldly sense of serenity and confidence. Even amid trials, we can find solace and strength to carry on. Anxiety and fear simply fade into distant memories.

The Father’s Peace vs. The World’s Peace

The world often seeks peace through material possessions, abundant resources, and personal achievements. In contrast, the peace that the Father offers is grounded in our relationship with Him. While the world relies on individual abilities, the children of the King depend on the spiritual sufficiency found in Christ.

As Warren Wiersbe points out, unsaved individuals may find peace in the absence of trouble. However, the children of the King experience peace even in the midst of trials, thanks to the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit.

The peace of Christ is not simply the absence of trouble; it is the presence of God. This supernatural peace flows from our relationship with Him and is facilitated by the Holy Spirit.

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© Dr. H 2025