“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” – John 14:1 (ESV)

We have choices.

Multiple times a day we are faced with opportunities to make choices. Most are fairly inconsequential.

Should we have pizza or tacos for supper?

Should I watch an old rerun of Gilligan’s Island or that video on YouTube about the history of dental floss?

Should I buy a Mounds bar or an Almond Joy? Do I feel like a nut or not?

However there is one choice that should always be obvious to believers in Jesus:

¹⁴ “Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. ¹⁵ And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” – Joshua 24:14-15 (ESV)

Choosing to follow the LORD seems obvious, but isn’t necessarily easy. It requires us to set aside our cares and plans and doubts and make a conscious effort to relinquish control and trust in God’s plan for our lives.

Even when it makes no sense.

Even when we’re scared to let go.

Even when we’re trying to work our way through life’s challenges on our own.

In John 14:1 Jesus says, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Trust in Me.” I love the words “let not”. That means we need to choose to not give in to fear, anxiety, worry and doubt. Rather, we need to chooses to believe in God.

Rest in His mercy and peace and goodness and strength and love and wisdom and absolute sovereignty over every minute detail of our lives.

Instead of believing in the worst possible outcome, or dreading what lies ahead, or fearing anyone or anything, we need to recognize Who God is (our Father) and put our full trust in Him.

Regardless of circumstances.

At all times.

Tonight, if anxious worrisome thoughts begin swirling around in your head, make the decision to trust in the Lord instead listening to the fear. It may take some effort. But it’s well worth it to trust in Jesus and simply take Him at His Word.