Treatment for our troubles – Part 2

On the first evening of a weeklong revival, the traveling evangelist told the eager congregation he was going to do something he didn’t normally do; he was going to announce the text he was planning on preaching from the next night. “The Gospel of Mark, chapter 17,” he said. “If anyone wants to read ahead and prepare themselves for tomorrow night’s sermon, read that short chapter.”

The next night, as the preacher climbed behind the pulpit, he asked the audience for a show of hands. “How many of you did as I encouraged and studied that 17th chapter of Mark?” Slowly, a few scattered churchgoers from the large crowd reluctantly raised their hands. “So few?” he asked, as he feigned disappointment. Around the sanctuary, a few more hands were half-heartedly raised. “Interesting indeed!” the revivalist then exclaimed. “There is no 17th chapter of Mark! So tonight, I will preach on the sin of lying!”

I tell this partially fabricated story (and it is only somewhat fictitious, I witnessed something similar many years ago) for a reason. Last week, I encouraged those seeking treatment for their troubles to get into your Bible and read John chapters 13-17. I am not going to ask for a show of hands, and those chapters really do exist; but I have to wonder, how many of us actually did so? Maybe life got busy and you forgot? Maybe right now, you’re not facing any hardship and don’t need the healing balm of God’s Word? Though I doubt that. With all that is going on in the world, it’s doubtful anyone reading this article doesn’t need Divine intervention. Friends, it’s not my intention to make anyone feel guilty. Nor am I naïve enough to think even a minute number of people read my article last Saturday, put their newspaper down, and immediately picked their Bible up. I am, however, curious as to why it seems Evangelicals, when facing difficult trials are so quick to turn to the world, or what this world offers, to find comfort and wisdom; rather than God’s Word? Is it possible we just don’t have enough confidence in the spiritual medicinal power of Christ’s promises?

Let me remind you again, in John 16:33, Jesus said, “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.” This was originally spoken to an anxious, despondent group of disciples who were struggling to understand their Lord’s purposes. Does that not accurately describe many of us at different points in life? Rather than filling their hearts with false hope, Jesus instead gives this fledgling band of brothers an affirmation of tribulation. That is, He makes it clear to them (and all His followers), we will not escape suffering and sorrow in this life. However, by trusting in “these things” the born-again believer can find comfort in the face of calamity and solace in the midst of storms. But what are “these things” Jesus spoke? What is it that brings stability into our unstable world? Allow me to mention just a couple in this article and more next week.

The first truth I would have us consider from this Upper Room discourse is this: for the Christian – this world is not our home. In John 14:2, Jesus said He has “gone to prepare a place for His people.” This simple statement is a bold reminder that everything around us, including this life itself, is only transient. The Christian is like Abraham of old. We are pilgrims passing through a foreign country on our way to the Promised Land. We American Christians often “drive our tent pegs way too deep” and become incredibly comfortable and complacent in these tents of ours. However, whether living in a land of plenty or facing drought and destruction, we are just sojourning here for a season. Sadly, it often takes some tragedy to remind us of the fleeting nature of this life. On that fateful night, Jesus comforted His frightened followers by pointing their eyes upward. Dear Christian friend, when faced with hurt and heartache, find comfort in this truth; this world is not our home, we are just passing through. The words of the old Appalachian spiritual song come to mind. “I’m just a poor wayfaring stranger. Traveling through this world below. There’s no sickness, no toil or danger, in that bright land to which I go!”

Furthermore, and akin to this first truth is this declaration from Jesus in John 14:3: “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 second truth from that upper room I would have us consider is this: Jesus is coming back! Regardless of your view of biblical prophecy, or the “end times,” this much is true – the King is coming! This, yet again, reminds us of the potential brevity of life here. Perhaps you are facing some incredibly difficult hardship. Maybe it seems like your world is crumbling around you. Born-again follower of Christ, hear these words from the mouth of the Messiah: “I will come again and receive you to myself.” Just hang on, Jesus is coming! The Prince of Peace will one day soon, split the skies and return to make all things new!

I again encourage you to read those chapters of John and discover what other truths our Lord spoke that night. Like many of you, I am a Christian who struggles with anxiety, worry and needless fear. However, I can tell you, based on the authority of Scripture, there is Divine treatment for our troubles by trusting in the Word and work of Jesus Christ.

Next week, we will consider a few more of these things Jesus has promised to all who will trust in Him.

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