Matthew 26:36-46
Be Still: Lord, quiet the noise within me that I may hear your voice. Amen
Read: Matthew 26:36-46
Then he said to them, 'My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.' (v38)
Encounter: Some years ago, I took a job that was a terrible fit – I struggled, but my pride stopped me asking for help. So I prayed harder, clinging to ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’ – possibly the most misinterpreted scripture verse.
A few months in, my inner world collapsed: I spiralled into a massive anxiety episode. I couldn't eat or sleep and ended up on my bathroom floor, dry-heaving, and begging God for relief. I struggled to my room and opened my Bible - today’s passage broke through like a bullhorn.
Jesus knew what it was to be overwhelmed, and he asked for help. I discovered God understood my pain and he showed me what to do: reach out to my community. At creation, God said, 'It is not good for man to be alone.' We were created for community; without it our faith can barely survive.
I texted friends to admit I was struggling. One phoned immediately to listen and pray. Another arrived with my favourite snacks, and again we prayed. Together we discerned that I needed to resign. As painful as it was, I look back with deep gratitude for God’s presence in the people he placed around me.
Our group-chat is a lifeline. We use it to share struggles and ask for prayer. If you don't have a space like that, create one before you need it. If you are feeling weak, reach out. If you are feeling strong, consider who you might support. Whether you are asking or aiding, Jesus will be in the midst of it. If Jesus needed people, so do we.
Apply: Be honest: are you struggling, even a little? Ask God who you might reach out to and ask courage to do it. Or if you feel strong today, ask God to alert you to someone who needs support, and check in with them. A simple message can open a door to grace.
Devote: Jesus, thank you that you empathise with my struggles. Show me the people who will support me. Help me, in turn, become a support to others.