Noted British preacher J. H. Jowett believed that inner peace comes not from tranquil circumstances but from an untroubled heart. He said: "If we were to hear 100 people repeating the sentence, 'Let not your heart be troubled,' we should find that 99 of them put the emphasis upon the word troubled. . . . I feel led to believe that the purposed emphasis is on the word heart. . . . The heart is to be clothed in serene regality even when hell is knocking and rioting at its very gates."

Jowett's perceptive words caused me to wonder if I'm spending more energy trying to avoid difficulties than on letting them help me get to know Christ better. If so, I'm headed for nothing but frustration and failure.

Jesus told His disciples, "Let not your heart be troubled" (Jn. 14:1). This was to prepare them for the dark day of His crucifixion. He knew they could weather the storm only by trusting Him in spite of the apparent triumph of evil.

Today, we can focus on the trouble in the world and in our lives, or we can focus on the victory we have in Christ because His death was followed by His resurrection. This wonderful fact gives new meaning to His words, "In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world" (16:33).  — David C. McCasland