Why are you troubled?
Imagine with me that you were with the group of disciples to whom Jesus appeared after His Resurrection. What do you think your reaction would have been? After all that had happened in the recent days leading up to this, I feel I would be frightened and thinking I was imagining things.
While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.”
They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” Luke 24:36-39
The group was troubled and afraid, yet there was Jesus right in their midst. He told them “Peace” first, probably knowing they would be afraid. Then He showed them His hands and feet. He asked them “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?”
As I was reading this, I thought how it seems He could ask that same question to us today. How many of us could be described as “troubled” and with doubts in our minds? What doubts “rise in your mind” today? Doubts that you are making a difference? Doubts that God will provide the answer to the prayers you are praying? Doubts that you are making the right decision? Doubts that something good can come of a terrible situation?
It brought me comfort to read this and remember that even though Jesus is not standing here where I can see His hands and feet, He is here with me in all I am facing. I do not need to let the doubts rule my mind. Instead I need to seek the peace He offers, the very peace that He promised to the disciples while He was still with them.
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:26, 27
I pray today you will seek His peace and not be troubled.
Have a day of blessings!
Amen, Bethany. I really don’t know how I would have felt seeing Jesus after His crucifixion. I may have thought too that I imagine things.
I am glad that He left the Holy Spirit with us so that we need not to be troubled of the things in the world.
Amen, amen.