Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser
There’s zero reason for us to be stressed out. It’s a bold statement, isn’t it? In a world seemingly built on deadlines, demands, and daily anxieties, the idea that we could live completely free from stress feels almost radical. In fact, stress has become so normalised that many wear their perpetual busyness and anxiety as badges of honour in our achievement-oriented culture. But what if it’s not just wishful thinking to think that there’s no reason for us to be stressed out? What if there’s a deeper truth to this idea, a perspective that could fundamentally change how we experience life? Join me as we discover how faith in God can replace our anxiety with peace and how we can live free from the burden of stress in this article. Let’s dive in and be blessed as you read!
Many Christians will probably argue that saying “There is zero reason for us to be stressed out” is a condemnation of others. I’m not condemning you. I’m telling you that Jesus has provided more for us than what most of us have appropriated. Let’s read John 14:1 together in the Bible. This was Jesus speaking to his disciples the night before his crucifixion. He had just had the last supper and washed the disciples’ feet. Under Satan’s influence, Judas went to betray Jesus to the high priests. In John 14:1, Jesus says, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me”.
The night before Jesus was crucified, He gave a command. This wasn’t just a request or a suggestion; He didn’t say, “You all should try this, and I understand that you’re only human and it may not work, but do your best.” Instead, He simply said, “Let not your heart be troubled.” My friend, there is no reason for us to be stressed. The disciples were about to face one of the most challenging times in their lives. They didn’t fully understand the plan of salvation and were about to witness their Master, the one upon whom all their hopes and dreams depended, being arrested, crucified, dead, and buried.
Many people today would argue that it’s unfair to tell someone not to worry when they’re going through a difficult experience. If you aren’t distressed or if your heart isn’t broken by what you’re experiencing, then they might say something is wrong with you or that you are in denial. This is the perspective prevalent in our world today. When you tell people that we are victorious and that God always wants us to triumph through our Lord Jesus Christ, aligning with what Scripture says, many will disagree and may even become annoyed.
Many within the body of Christ assert that emphasising personal responsibility can come across as dismissive of those who are struggling. They argue that we should show sympathy by acknowledging their pain and sorrow. While there is certainly a place for love and compassion, it’s important to recognise that excessive sympathy can sometimes reinforce negative behaviours. Genuine compassion often requires tough love; there are times when we must encourage someone to rise up and try again. We should instil in them the belief that they are capable of overcoming their challenges. Unfortunately, the church has often leaned toward mere empathy and sympathy without providing the empowerment that people need to move forward.
Jesus told his disciples the night before his crucifixion, “Don’t let your heart be troubled.” Today, many Christians might view this as lacking compassion or empathy. After all, the disciples were about to witness Jesus’ crucifixion and see all their hopes shattered. It might seem unreasonable for him to tell them not to be troubled in such a dire moment. In today’s culture, many Christians and ministers encourage people to respond differently than Jesus did on that fateful night – a time of immense suffering for both his disciples and humanity as a whole.
Jesus is telling us not to let our hearts be troubled. Essentially, He is saying there’s no reason for us to feel stressed. Nowadays, when we listen to the news, discussions about tariffs and global economic uncertainty are common. Many Christians feel that they should be worried, given that people are being laid off, and there are tragedies like earthquakes and wars occurring. Unfortunately, this mindset tends to empower those negative feelings and situations.
" Faith is the answer to all challenges. If you have faith in God, there’s no need to be afraid. "
They say, yes, God instructs us not to let our hearts be troubled, but this assurance has its limits. When you’re faced with death, when you’re being laid off, or when something significant is happening in your life, it’s understandable to feel stressed. This is how many people, including most Christians, tend to express their struggles. But how did Jesus respond in similar situations? The night before his crucifixion, he told his disciples not to let their hearts be troubled. But why shouldn’t they be troubled? Because they believe in God, they should also believe in him. Faith is the answer to all these challenges. If you have faith in God, there’s no need to be afraid.
In the book of Psalms, David says, “Though the mountains be removed and be cast into the sea, yet will I trust in the Lord; I will joy in the God of my salvation”. This passage reflects a strong expression of unwavering faith, as seen in Psalm 46:2. It highlights God’s power and constant presence, even amidst overwhelming change or destruction. The message emphasises that, regardless of how challenging a situation may become – whether due to natural disasters or personal crises – one can find comfort and joy in trusting God. Therefore, there is no reason for us to feel stressed.
No matter the situation, we should always be praising God with David. We should proclaim, “Praise God! I know I’m going to win.” I believe I will succeed in this life, and even if my faith doesn’t lead to healing, prosperity, or whatever problems I may face, I can find comfort in knowing that if the worst happens and I die, I will go to be with Jesus. I will live forever in a mansion on streets paved with gold. There will be no sorrow or cares. The former things won’t even come to mind.
In John 14:1, Jesus had just said, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.” Then in verses 2 and 3, He says, “2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” The reason he mentioned heaven is that, if worse comes to worst, you will be with the Lord in heaven. I believe we can rejoice in the Lord always, regardless of what is happening.
Jesus says at the very end of this teaching in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” That was an understatement. In a very short time, he was going to be arrested and taken before Pilate and then to Herod. All of his disciples were going to forsake him and flee. Peter was going to deny three times that he even knew him. However, he urged them to be of good cheer, for he had overcome the world. He began by saying, “Don’t let your heart be troubled,” and ended with, “Be of good cheer.” Regardless of what happens, we can be encouraged. We can be victorious; we can experience joy and peace. There is no reason for you to be stressed out.
I understand that what I’m saying might not be popular, and some people may think I’m holding others to a standard that judges them. That’s not my intention at all. I want to emphasise that Jesus has provided so much for you, and His resources far exceed any of your needs. In light of that, there is no reason to be stressed about anything. Yes, believe that God has provided us with healing, prosperity, joy, and peace. If we experience victory in this life, receive healing, and achieve prosperity, that’s wonderful. However, if we don’t, we have the promise of eternity. That’s the essence of what He meant when He said, “In my Father’s house, there are many mansions.” He encourages us not to be stressed and not to let our hearts be troubled. Instead, we should believe in God. If the worst happens, we will go to be with the Lord. Hallelujah!
