Handling Sorrow and Trouble

Matthew 26:37

He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled.

The night before he was crucified, Jesus went into the Garden of Gethsemane and wrestled with the immediate difficulty that He knew was ahead of him. He fought his way spiritually through the decisions that would have physical impact on his life during the following day, the day of His trial, scourging, and execution.

How would you feel facing such a horrific expectation? The Bible says that he went willingly to the cross to suffer and die for you and I. So, how did Jesus deal with his feelings? We know that this was intense as He shed drops of blood and He cried out as if He was hoping there was another way.

What does this tell us about how to handle sorrow or depression or even what to do when facing a deeply troubling decision? Look at what He did. First, He went with a few close friends, his disciples, who were committed to Him. It says in this passage that He even told them what He was feeling, opening up to them and asking them to pray for Him.

Then He prayed to the Father and cast all this trouble on God who Jesus knew would be faithful to work out the ultimate purpose in His life. Finally, He rested his mind and heart on doing what God wanted when He said, "Not my will but thine be done". The Bible tells us that Jesus fixed His eyes and heart on what his crucifixion would bring about, our salvation for all eternity.

You and I need to learn from His example and fight this spiritual fight when we face depression or when something happens in our lives that seems threatening. Being troubled and sorrowful is not sin, but don't let it lead to unbelief. Do what Jesus did, apply the steps he took, and fight for the peace that comes from knowing that God is acting with purpose and He loves you.

Peace is a state of mind and heart that follows when you make a decision to trust Him completely before your circumstances change. He will not let you go. You can expect Him to keep His promise that He will cause all the things in your life for your good. Peace is not getting the outcome that you want. Peace is knowing the one who determines the outcome.

Summarized from devotional by John Piper