How to Have an Untroubled Heart
Here’s One of Jesus’ Most Powerful Lessons on Having Peace in Troubling Situations
A few hours before the cross, Jesus told His closest disciples, “Do not let your heart be troubled…” (John 14:1a).
It’s one thing to listen to instructions, but it’s another thing to follow them. Thankfully, Jesus doesn’t just tell us not to let ourselves get worried, fearful, or anxious; in the next few words, He provides us with key insights on how to achieve peace.
The Background
John 13–17 is one of the most important sections in all of Scripture. In these chapters, Jesus provides specific and essential teachings on living God’s way.
In John 13, Jesus washes the disciples’ feet and tells them to live with a servant attitude. He tells them one of them is going to betray Him, and He’s about to leave.
He gives them THE KEY COMMANDMENT to guide everything: “Love one another as I have loved you. By this will all men know that you are My disciples” (John 13:34–35).
When He tells them He’s leaving and they can’t follow Him, Peter says, “Lord, why can I not follow You right now? I will lay down my life for You.”
Jesus then tells Peter he will fail and deny Him three times before morning.
Got it? There’s a lot of tension, anxiety, and uncertainty. And then Jesus says, “Do not let your heart be troubled…”
Jesus’ “Untroubled Heart” Instructions
Jesus gives powerful insights in the next two and a half verses that can help us maintain peace, even in difficult situations.
Here are the key takeaways:
1. Our Responses Dictate Peace & Faith or Worry and Fear
"Do not let your heart be troubled." Even though trouble tries to dominate our thoughts and emotions, there are steps we can take to stop it.
Even if fear, worry, or uncertainty feels overwhelming, the reality is, we don’t have to give in to it.
One of the greatest parts of being a Jesus follower is that Jesus Himself lives in us through the Holy Spirit and His Words. Despite incredible pressure, Jesus never freaked out. He remained steady and at peace—except for the moment on the cross when He gave His life for us.
2. Faith in God Defeats Trouble
"Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me." (John 14:1)
Faith in God is not just about salvation but affects every aspect of life. It opens the door to receive God’s promises, answers to prayer, and victory over fear and worry.
When faith in God fills our hearts, there’s no room left for anxiety. Even though Peter was going to fail, Jesus still encouraged him: “Believe in God” and “believe in Me.”
Faith, even imperfect faith, is powerful enough to transform our hearts and minds.
3. Jesus Has Already Made Plans for You
"In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you, for I go to prepare a place for you." (John 14:2)
Knowing that Jesus has prepared a place for us in heaven is the ultimate peace producer.
Even if life is difficult and our bodies eventually fail, we don’t need to fear death, because Jesus has already made plans for us to spend eternity with the Father.
If Jesus has prepared for eternity, how much more has He made plans for the challenges we face now?
4. Jesus Loves Us So Much He Wants Us to Be with Him
"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." (John 14:3)
Jesus doesn’t just love us; He likes us and wants us with Him forever.
Feelings may tell us that God must be tired of us after our failures, but His Word tells us He delights in us and wants us with Him eternally.
Jesus loves you and wants you with Him forever, and He never grows tired of you!
Quick Review:
We have more control over our hearts than we often realize. Our responses have power.
Faith in God defeats trouble and releases peace.
Jesus has already worked things out and has great plans for us.
Jesus loves you and wants you to be with Him forever!
My goal is to help busy believers experience God more deeply, grow consistently—both spiritually and personally—and confidently live out their unique purpose.
