Growing up, the elders used to say, "I'm so glad trouble don't last always!" The Bible encourages us that, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning!" (Psalm 30:5b) The life of former Congressman and Civil Rights Leader John Lewis taught us there is such a thing as 'good trouble' when it is stirred up for a worthy cause. TROUBLES are defined as difficulties or problems; a cause of worry or inconvenience; situations in which one is liable to incur punishment or blame; unrest or disorder. To trouble someone is to cause them distress, anxiety, inconvenience or pain. When one is asking for trouble they are acting in a way that is likely to provoke an argument or strife. Troubles cause us to be TROUBLED—beset by problems or conflict, and therefore showing distress or anxiety. There's a lot about which we could be troubled right now.
In John 14, Jesus is preparing His disciples for the troubles ahead. He's about to be brutally crucified, then be buried, resurrect and return to Heaven. He begins with the encouragement, "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me." Jesus explains that He is going away to prepare a place for His followers in His Kingdom and that eventually, they will join Him there. (vs. 1-4). Then Christ reveals He will send 'another comforter," an advocate/helper who will be alongside them as He has been, but live within them. He says, "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." (26) Christ declares, "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (27)
Isn't it crazy that at the very time we would rightfully be afraid...Jesus tells us not to allow fear to overtake our hearts.
In the weeks before His death, Christ instructed His disciples not to be anxious or disturbed. Peace—the Greek eiréné is to be at rest, with a sense of wholeness or undisturbed well being. By contrast, troubled, the Greek tarassó means to agitate, to shake back and forth or to and fro like a washing machine. Tarassó is to set in motion what needs to remain still and at ease. Jesus said, on't become perplexed though what's happening is complicated and it seems you can't account for it. Don't let your emotions stir you up and get the best of you. The warfare is meant to steal your peace. Come to think of it... Isn't peace the opposite of war?
Jesus says, "Don't let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." This word deiliao means to shrink; to become timid or cowardly; showing a lack of courage or boldness. Deiliao says "I am living in dread"- a paralyzing fear of consequences, that something bad or unpleasant will happen. Christ tells His followers don't shrink back or waver in these next weeks. They're going to be excruciating, but you will make it. And once I've gone, you will have another comforter/helper who will not just be with you, but will live in you forever! | 
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