The Christian life is not trouble free. Even Jesus was troubled in Jn 11:33 when he saw Mary, Martha and others mourning over the death of Lazarus; in Jn 12:27 when he approached the hour of his death; and in Jn 13:21 when he announced that one of the disciples would betray him. Paul was troubled in his ministry, as well. In 2 Cor 1:8 he wrote about “our trouble which came on us in Asia.” In 2 Cor 4:8 he wrote, “we are troubled on every side.”
But there are some things in this life about which you shouldn’t be troubled. Jesus told his disciples, “Let not your heart be not troubled,” in Jn 14:1, 27-28 concerning his departure. Why should they not have been troubled? He was leaving them to ascend into heaven. They weren’t to be troubled because he was going to prepare a place for them and he was coming back to get them. So, after he ascended, they got on with the business at hand.
The Bible gives us three instances in which to not be troubled. Be not troubled:
When you suffer for well doing – 1 Pet 3:13-17 says, “be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled.” Christians in our country these days have not suffered persecution like Christians in some other countries or in times past. So, we’re not used to it. However, the Lord told us not to be troubled because God will recompense tribulation to them that trouble you [2 Thes 1:4-8]. Paul said, in 2 Thes 1:7, “you who are troubled rest with us.” Jesus is coming. In other words, when you are troubled by persecution and affliction look up. Jesus is coming back.
When you see apostasy in the world – 2 Thes 2:1-3 is about the falling away that precedes the revelation of the antichrist. Why should we not be troubled by this apostasy? Because the falling away signals the future revelation and destruction of the antichrist. And it signals the return of Jesus Christ who will destroy him. Our Savior is coming back. Don’t be troubled by the apostasy; rejoice in anticipation of his coming.
When you witness the beginnings of sorrows – Matt 24:6-8, Mk 13:7-8, 24-26 are the beginnings of sorrows that precede the great Tribulation and the following return of the Lord. Why should we not be troubled by these sorrows? Because Jesus said I’m coming back. Many people are really talking about all the current news. We should be talking about the coming of our Lord. Thankfully, he will rapture us out of here before the Tribulation. We should do like Jesus said “be not troubled.” Are you worried? Don’t be. Why not? Jesus is coming.
Conclusion: The Bible says be not troubled… about these things that might trouble you: the way Christians suffer, the current apostasy or the beginnings of sorrows. We must go through all of these as we wait for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. You won’t be troubled if you keep your eye on the sky. Jesus is coming back!!!