Remember, they had pinned all of their hopes on Jesus. They’d given up everything, and now it seemed as if everything they had believed was a lie. They had left families, homes, businesses—they forsook it all, and without a backup plan. So, when Jesus was arrested, it looked like total failure. And on top of all that, their very lives were now in jeopardy. This was a major crisis situation.

I believe Satan knows where we’re vulnerable. He sometimes sees our weaknesses better than we do. Being a spiritual creature, he doesn’t just perceive things in the natural realm. I believe he saw that these disciples were the ones Jesus was entrusting His entire kingdom to and that Jesus was depending on them. And because of that, I believe Satan was throwing everything he had at them—depression, discouragement, fear, anything he could use to try to snuff these guys out. After all, they were the ones who would carry on the message Jesus had left with them. So, they likely faced demonic opposition during this time that few of us have ever experienced.

I share all of that to provide some background. Imagine yourself in the shoes of Jesus’ disciples, your heart heavy with apprehension as you confront all the uncertainties amidst all these events. And the very first thing Jesus says is to not let your heart be troubled. I tell you, this is just phenomenal.

You know, in many churches today, psychology has infiltrated people’s thinking. Consequently, some believe that embracing your humanity means not suppressing any feelings or emotions but rather just letting everything out and venting. We’ve gotten to the point where we indulge our emotions and even criticise people if they don’t fall apart like a two-dollar suitcase when something bad happens.