May 1, 2025
Today’s Reading: John 14:1-14
Daily Lectionary: Exodus 25:1-22; Exodus 25:23-30:38; Luke 5:17-39
“‘Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” (John 14:1)
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
There are many things that can trouble our hearts these days. It doesn’t take much: a quick check of the news, which is designed to trouble you; a quick scroll through social media that evolves into “doom-scrolling”; a recent diagnosis; a falling out with a friend or family member; or even just general concern about what the future holds. Mental health statistics suggest that in 2023, somewhere around 20% of high school students experienced serious bouts of depression. That is a lot of fear, stress, anxiety, and doubt, and is reflective of the world we live in. This is not the place to address the nation’s mental health struggles or to answer all the fears that may surround us; this is just a spot to sit and rest in the One who sees our troubled hearts, who knows our fears and sadness and is with us in these struggles. Looking at our troubled hearts, Jesus answers our fears and doubts, but maybe not in the way we wish He would. Instead of telling us not to worry because He’s just going to fix everything up as if it never happened, or will get back at the bully for us, or will at least make it all make sense, He invites us to believe, that is, trust, in Him. What does it mean to trust in Him? It means to know that He loves and cares for us, that He desires our salvation from sin, death, and the devil, and that He will never leave nor forsake you. He goes from asking us to trust in Him to telling us that He is preparing a place for us and that He is the way, the truth, and the life; he is showing us the way, even when the road is steep and rocky. Worry can be suffocating, looming large in our brains as we try to move forward in our lives, but by looking at Jesus, we see that there is a path for us that leads us in truth and life. We need not suffocate on fear and doubt; instead, we can be guided by the light of His word, fixing our eyes on Him, in the knowledge that even if things are not okay today or tomorrow, they are under the eye of the One who makes all things new, and who is leading us through the valley of the shadow of death; we need not fear evil, regardless of what should trouble us.
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
Yet even though I suffer The world’s unpleasantness, And though the days grow rougher And bring me great distress, That day of bliss divine, Which knows no end or measure, And Christ, who is my pleasure, Forever shall be mine. (LSB 713:6)
– Deac. Eleanor Corrow, Higher Things Board Member and coordinator in LCMS Missionary Services
Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.
Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God’s people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God’s Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.
