Momentum For Monday, May 2nd 2022

"…My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” (Matthew 26:38)

Recently, I read through Matthew and there's many things that stood out to me that I can spend a couple months on writing (maybe I will, I don't know).  The life of Jesus was miraculous in and of itself, and not something that we all have been able to connect to with all that he did. But his death and the time leading up to it though, that was something more…well, relatable.

For instance, when Jesus was in Gethsemane praying. Scripture mentions that he became overwhelmingly depressed. Not only do I love that our Savior knows how we feel at times (and beyond that because I've never experienced sweating blood), but I also love how he gave wisdom even in the midst of his worst moments.

I don't know why Jesus had the disciples sit within distance while he prayed, but if Jesus was stressed to the point of death (as some note as feelings of suicide, but either way he was at a low point), maybe he wanted them there for accountability. I mean, why else would they keep watch? Keep watch for those coming for him? Possibly, but he knew where the events were heading and it's not like they were going to stop anyone from doing it. Besides, Jesus often withdrew to pray by himself, but this wasn’t one of those times.

Also, notice who he confessed his sorrow to. It wasn't in prayer to God. It was to the disciples. What a beautifully vulnerable moment in a dark time.

I love that he asked them to pray also. Pray for him? I'm not sure, but I do know it is a wise thing to ask for help and surround yourself with friends to cover you in prayer in the time you need it most. Granted, they still failed him (as friends will do), yet Jesus still gave a wise example of not waiting for someone to offer help and instead, reached out to have friends surround him and pray.

Allow me for one moment to be absolutely blunt and crystal clear for all our sakes- the next time we find ourselves in a dangerously depressing place, even suicidal, reach out to friends. Forget your pride and ego and call them. Tell someone the struggle or the suicidal thoughts. Then pray. Yes, even in the moments when you feel least like it. Then maybe give it three days and see what God does.

 “So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though the going is rough for a while down here. These trials are only to test your faith, to see whether or not it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests gold and purifies it—and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold; so if your faith remains strong after being tried in the test tube of fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day of his return.”

(1 Peter 1:6-7)