Worry Like Jesus

               

Mat 26:38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.

Mat 26:39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. (KJV)

There is a chronic sort of worrying attitude that is unhealthy. And there is an attitude of constant fear and expectation of the worst that can cripple and weaken faith. Yet there is also a worry that is part of the human condition, a concern over immanent future events that can cause dread and fear and worry. And if we take such concerns to God in prayer, our fears and worries can lead us to greater trust and confidence in God, as well as the ability to face and deal with the source of the worry.

I take comfort in the fact that Jesus felt worry about the cross. His was not a fear based upon vain imaginations, for He knew very well what was coming, and it caused Him to feel dread and fear and worry. Why else did He pray as He did in the garden when thinking about the terrible events that awaited Him? But Jesus also, as in so many other ways, became our example in worry. Jesus took His concerns directly to the Father in prayer, for He understood the fact of the coming cross, the pain, suffering, and humiliation that awaited Him. He expressed to the Father that He did not want to endure such torment. We see in this instance the very depths of Jesus’ humanity. Yet we also see His great humility in His willingness to do the Father’s will, even knowing the great trial and suffering that awaited.

Mat 26:40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?

Mat 26:41 Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

Mat 26:42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. (KJV)

Notice that Jesus prayed three times that He might not have to suffer such torment, but He would do so if the Father willed it.

Mat 26:43 And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.

Mat 26:44 And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. (KJV)

What can we learn from the example of Jesus? First of all we can accept the fact that troubles will come our way that we must deal with, that we cannot always avoid. Secondly, we need to remember to take such concerns, such fears and worries, to God in prayer, asking for deliverance and help. Thirdly, when such trials cannot be avoided, we must submit ourselves to God’s will, and humbly endure our trials and difficulties.

An attitude of prayer, and submission to God’s will is paramount to leading lives accepting of our humanity, but also recognizing that we have an Advocate. Because Jesus understands what it is to face trials and hardships, He is well able to strengthen us in our trials.

Heb 2:18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

Heb 5:7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared;

Heb 5:8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;

Heb 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

Heb 7:25 Therefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever lives to make intercession for them. (KJV)

We have a Lord who was human. Think about that for a moment. We can never say: “Lord, You just don’t understand what I’m going through.” We have a Lord who can sympathize with our worries. Jesus has gone through more suffering and hardship than we will ever face in our lives upon this earth. He walked the hot streets of Jerusalem. He was hungry and thirsty. He stated that He did not even have a dwelling to lay down in. He traveled across Judea, and saw suffering humanity, empathizing with them, crying with them, and suffering with them. Finally, He died for them, and for us, in an agonizing and humiliating death on the cross. Jesus understood worry. He understands your worry as well.

Dear Lord, we worry often about many things. Help us to remember that You care for us, and that You understand our worry. We give you our cares and worries, and trust that You will see us through our hardships. Amen.

Karlton Douglas 

copyright 2016