Today we commence again with a new Word for the day: "Be Not Troubled."

     On the surface, the manner in which the Scripture here is phased, "let not your heart be
     troubled," indicates we have a choice whether to become troubled and afraid over
     situations or to allow our hearts to be flooded with peace instead. Below the surface, you
     may find the usage of Greek words telling as well.

     Luke 1:12

          And when Zacharias saw him, he was
          troubled, [tarasso] and fear fell upon him.

     Where the word "tarasso" is used, frequently there is fear associated with it. Fear is the
     exact opposite of confidence, trust and belief.

     Luke 24:37, 38

          But they were terrified and affrighted,
          and supposed that they had seen a spirit.

          And he [Jesus] said unto them, Why are ye troubled?
          [tarasso] and why do thoughts [discussion, i.e. (internal)
          consideration (by implication, purpose), or (external) debate:
          --dispute, doubtful(-ing), imagination, reasoning, thought]

          arise in your hearts?

     Being troubled about situations begins with thoughts arising in our hearts, internal debates
     and continually rehearsing the matter over and over. What makes it worse is speaking the
     problem. This can lead to fear, and fear always defeats the promises of God.

     How did Jesus handle his agitation, his stirred-up- ness? He confessed the Word and
     testified. He also prayed.

     John 12:27, 28

          Now is my soul troubled [tarasso]; and what
          shall I say? Father, save me from this hour:
          but for this cause came I unto this hour.

          Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a
          voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified
          it, and will glorify it again.

     Jesus was well aware of his upcoming demise. He knew he would be tormented and
     crucified. His heart was troubled about it. Jesus, having NEVER sinned, had a troubled
     heart. Obviously, it is no sin to become troubled about situations. But Jesus did not stay
     troubled .He did not continue to stir up his mind in agitation over the situation. In his
     troubled mind, He wanted to say, "God save me from this!" But he knew the purpose of
      his life.He said instead," Glorify your name, Father."

     Jesus believed and trusted in God.He confessed God's Word.

     How many times have I said, "God, save me from this!" It would
     be more profitable to say instead, "God, may your name be
     glorified. You have the solution, you know what is best.
     Let glory come to you in this situation."

     John 13:21

          When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled
          [tarasso]in spirit, and testified [witnessed]
          and said...

     When we are troubled, the solution is to confess the Word and testify of it. It works. I do
     this all the time. Just when I think there is no peace in a situation, just when I think I will
     bust with heartache or stress, I will speak the promises of God out loud and testify to the
     Word of God to someone else. Then the peace of God floods over my soul and I know
     He hears and will be a present help in time of trouble.

The key is, if you are troubled about something,
do not keep your heart stirred up.
     Confess the Word at once. Testify of it.
Cast your care upon God.

          Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer
          and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests
          be made known unto God.

          And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding,
          shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

     Stir not up, agitate not your troubled heart by debates and negative considerations.
     Confess the Word, witness the Word and cast your cares upon God instead. Amen.