Have you ever struggled with depression? If so, you’re not alone. According to the Ontario Ministry of Health, “An estimated 1 in 4 Canadians has a degree of depression serious enough to need treatment at some time in his or her life.” If you are struggling with prolonged symptoms of depression, see your family doctor. However, most of us deal with milder forms of depression from time to time. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus faced a serious trial and struggled with symptoms of depression. He even sweat tears of blood, which is a medical symptom of extreme grief. Yet, He overcame and, the next day, won the victory on Calvary. What can we learn from His example?
Read on for 4 ways Jesus overcame depression.
1. Jesus asked close friends for their support.
After the Last Supper, Jesus came to the Garden of Gethsemane with His disciples. Leaving most of them to sit down, He invited Peter, James, and John to pray with Him. He told them, “My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.” (Matt. 26:38)
Just having His closest disciples by His side was a comfort to Jesus. He didn’t have to face the terrors of the night alone. Instead, He drew strength from their physical presence. At the local church’s prison ministry, we are so grateful for godly friends.
2. Jesus sought His Father.
Desperate, Jesus fell on His face and prayed, “ O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” (Matt. 26:39) Only Jesus knew what horrors He would be facing in a few short hours. He pleaded for God’s intervention, knowing that the Father could change the plan if He wanted to.
3. Jesus chose to obey His Father’s will.
Despite His pain and fear, Jesus prayed, “Not as I will, but as thou wilt.” He did not argue or complain bitterly. Jesus yielded to His Father’s will completely. Though His brow was wet with drops of blood, He was willing to be obedient even to death.
What an incredible example of submission! Jesus wouldn’t have chosen the Cross, but He chose to obey…even to the Cross.
4. Jesus looked beyond the pain to the prize.
In Hebrews 12:2, Paul describes what carried Jesus through Calvary. “Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
When Jesus looked at the rugged cross, He didn’t see a Roman instrument of torture. He saw the precious faces of millions of boys and girls, men and women, whose sins would be washed clean by His blood. He heard the songs of praise that would echo through the ages for His great love. And He felt the smile of God shine warm upon His face.
Jesus knew that Calvary, painful though it was, would be worth it.
What about you?
How can you follow Jesus’ example in your life today? First, spend time with close, godly friends. Pour out your heart, and ask them to pray for you. Seek the Lord for comfort and strength! Submit yourself to God’s will, even when it’s hard. And, look forward to seeing Jesus someday. If you have accepted Jesus as your Saviour and are following Him, know that, “…our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;” (2 Corinthians 4:17) Join us at the local church’s prison ministry to learn more!
________________________________________________________________
Are you searching? Jesus has the answers for addictions and stubborn habits. For more information, send the Crossmans a private message here on Facebook or come to a church service at Prince Albert Baptist Church. Take the first step in a walk of freedom!
For more information, call (306) 940-9554 or email anchorofhopeheb@gmail.com
