Exhausted from sorrow
- Feb 20, 2025
- 2 min read
Luke 22:39-46
How many times have you cried yourself to sleep due to loss, disappointment, or other misfortune? Or when people notice something is off and ask what's wrong, your only answer is "I'm just tired." According to health central, being distressed causes your heart to work harder and your immune system not to work as well; it manifests a continual feeling of fatigue. Making you "simply tired." So it makes sense why you feel exhausted mentally, emotionally, and physically after getting some bad news. Luke 22:39-46 is the moment Jesus took his disciples to the Mount of Olives to pray after having the last supper with them. Knowing Jesus was soon going to be handed over to His enemies, He tells his disciples to "pray that you will not fall into temptation" (v40). He goes to pray to God, "Father, IF you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done" (v42). Verse 43 tells us an angel from heaven appeared to Jesus and gave him strength. Because he was full of anguish of what was to happen, but even in His agony, he prayed MORE earnestly, where his sweat became like drops of blood (v44). His prayer was not his will but, God's will be done. When he returned to his disciples, he found them asleep exhausted from sorrow. And again, told them to get up and pray so they won't be tempted. I do not know what type of distress is causing you exhaustion, but get up and pray! Don't fall asleep, and don't fall into temptation. Be like Jesus and continue to pray through it until the strength of God falls upon you. And trust me, I know it can be hard. When my dad passed away, there were days, even weeks, I found myself like the disciples, exhausted from my sorrow. Rather than praying until I got the strength I needed, I stayed in bed all day. But by the grace of God, I felt the Holy Spirit tell me to get up and pray so that I would not fall into temptation. Temptation of depression and temptation of blaming God. While my dad was in the hospital, I remember the feeling of agony I felt as I prayed, "God let your will be done, just give us the strength to accept it." Praying through your sorrow is the only way you can make it through the temptation and lies that come into your head. Rather than shutting off and sleeping through the pain, get up and pray.
Prayer
Thank you, Jesus, for always setting the example and teaching us what to do in the midst of our sorrow and pain. Thank you for reminding us that our strength comes from you and you alone. At this moment, I take this pain and sorrow that I have been carrying for so long and lay it at your feet. I pray for your will to be done as I trust you in the process. Trusting YOUR word that says blessed are those who weep, for they will receive comfort. Trusting you WILL renew my strength like the eagles so I will not faint or grow weary. Thank you for your word, comfort, and strength. Amen
Worship Song
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