Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men . . . carry out their wicked schemes. (Ps. 37:7)

THE MOOD IN THE UPPER ROOM was somber. When the disciples had left everything to follow Jesus, they were excited and hopeful that He was the long-awaited Messiah. It had been a heady experience to be His disciple. For more than three years they had seen Him heal the sick, cast out demons, and even bring the dead back to life. But increasingly He had been talking about how He was going to suffer and die in Jerusalem.

They were concerned and baffled. They had witnessed the power He possessed. How, much less why, would Jesus allow His life to be taken? And how could they go on without Him?

Jesus sought to comfort and encourage them. He promised them that they would not be left as orphans. The Holy Spirit would come and teach them all things. Despite the trials and sorrows to come, He would comfort them and fill them with peace. It was not what the disciples wanted to hear, and it certainly wasn’t what they expected when they said yes to Jesus’ call to follow Him.

When evil appears to have the upper hand, it’s hard to be still and wait patiently for God to reveal His plan and purpose. It wasn’t easy for the disciples despite Jesus’ reassurances. They didn’t know that Sunday was coming, but we do!

Take time to ponder Jesus’ words in the upper room and to apply them to your life.

Marlene Bagnull is a wife, mother, and grammy to three youngsters who live within walking distance. She directs two Christian writers’ conferences.