What does it mean to believe? Recently I asked that question at a Bible study. At first there was an awkward silence and trepidation among the group, but eventually someone chimed in, “Belief has to do with the things I hold dear to my heart.” I appreciated her answer, and it struck a chord with me as I reflected on the things (people, ideas, and places) that mattered most to me.

When I read John’s words, “If our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him” (NIV), I think of parishioners who have shared their stories of unanswered prayers with me. I sympathized with them as they recounted their bewilderment. From all accounts, those faithful persons loved Jesus and loved others yet their prayers went unanswered. So how could they continue to have confidence in praying to God? How could they continue to believe?

John “believes” that if we obey Jesus’ commands, we will have his assurance and presence living in us. God, through Jesus Christ, does not turn away from the predicament of being human with all its limitations and its dreams and desires. God knows the pitfalls and stumbling blocks we encounter. If belief is entrusting what matters most to us in this life, shouldn’t we be able to let go of our fears and uncertainties, trusting that the things that matter most to us also matter to God? Holding on to things tends to bring forth anxiety and bondage. The shepherd, who adores each one of the sheep, wants us to experience freedom from that bondage. We can always trust God to guide us through the challenging terrain of our heart’s desires.