“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 NIV).
The disciples couldn’t see the upcoming events but would learn that there would be much to fear. One of their own betrayed them and sells their teacher to the Romans. Peter denied his savior three times out of fear of capture. The disciples saw their beloved rabbi hang on a cross for crimes he didn’t commit, giving his life for the sake of others. Jesus laid in a tomb for three days as the disciples’ world seemed to end. They would have been reminded of this encouragement, thinking it was impossible to control their fear.
What about your life? When bills are overdue and the money is nowhere to be found; or a loved one is in an accident and you rush to the hospital, unsure if you will make it in time. In our darkest hour, we often find it a struggle to “not let your heart be troubled.”
We don’t face these dark times alone. The Holy Spirit, our Advocate, “will remind you of everything [Jesus] has said to you.” God is a god of order, not chaos. When circumstances lead us to fear and worry, we’re reminded that “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Take your fears to the God of peace, be comforted by our Advocate! May the God of peace guide and protect you, both now and forevermore.