A Category 5 hurricane decimates an island country, a 6.4 earthquake rattles a European city, impeachment proceedings divide the US Congress, hysteria on climate change— all events that incite fear and distress.

Cancer, opioid drugs, divorce, disobedient children—is it any wonder that our hearts are troubled? Stress-related illnesses, emotional and behavioral problems are rampant. How do we cope?

Jesus had words for those with troubled hearts. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me.” (John 14:1 NIV) Later in that chapter, Jesus repeats his instruction not to be troubled and promises to give us His peace.

Many years before Jesus’ comforting words, King David made this confession, “When I am afraid I will trust in you.” (Psalm 56:3 NIV)

To trust in someone is to rely or depend on them. It is to hope or expect something, and have confidence that it will happen. Jesus’ words can be trusted and He wants us to live without anxiety and fear. In John 16:33 He declares, “...in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart I have overcome the world.”