Matthew 26:36-40 (NIV)
36 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”
39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.
40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter.
Many of us in today’s world feel immense pressure to be perfect. The mere thought of vulnerability scares us, making us cover up our truth with what we assume to be a socially acceptable veneer and happy disposition, but can I tell you, it’s okay to feel every emotion, including not being okay!
In the text, we come upon Jesus Christ, the savior of all mankind, the one who walked on water, who commanded the winds and the seas, who multiplied a little boy’s lunch and fed a multitude, and He is having what would be today described as a meltdown
What?!
Yes!
But that’s not the only lesson He teaches, in His moment of vulnerability, He so kindly shows us how to cope with not being okay
1. He surrounds himself with his closest friends, and is not afraid to share with them the truth of how He feels, because He understands what the scriptures say in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 9
Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls, and has no one to help them up.
Understand that God has given you and I the (imperfect) people in our lives for support even in difficult times. So, do well to cherish and nourish those relationships even when they annoy you and won’t stay up to pray with you 🤪🤪
2. Above and beyond sharing with man, He speaks to the Father about it, because He knows that the Father understands and is caring enough to strengthen Him. This He does base on His clear understanding of what the scriptures say in Philippians 4:6-7
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Speak to God about whatever troubles you and find peace in knowing that He loves you and is on your side. Surrender to His will and watch God work it out for you in His time
I pray for anyone who is not okay at this moment, may the God of all peace, release unto you, His logic and sense defying peace.
