Mark 14:32 They went to a place called Gat Sh’manim; and Yeshua said to his talmidim, “Sit here while I pray.” 33 He took with him Kefa, Ya‘akov and Yochanan. Great distress and anguish came over him; 34 and he said to them, “My heart is so filled with sadness that I could die! Remain here and stay awake.” 35 Going on a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that if possible, the hour might pass from him: 36 “Abba!” (that is, “Dear Father!”) “All things are possible for you. Take this cup away from me! Still, not what I want, but what you want.” 37 He came and found them sleeping; and he said to Kefa, “Shim‘on, are you asleep? Couldn’t you stay awake one hour? 38 Stay awake, and pray that you will not be put to the test — the spirit indeed is eager, but human nature is weak.”39 Again he went away and prayed, saying the same words; 40 and again he came and found them sleeping, their eyes were so very heavy; and they didn’t know what to answer him.
41 The third time, he came and said to them, “For now, go on sleeping, take your rest. . . .There, that’s enough! The time has come! Look! The Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners! 42 Get up! Let’s go! Here comes my betrayer!”-------
Carry each other’s burdens. [Galatians 6:2 (CEB)]
In today’s reading, Jesus himself broke down in the midst of his suffering and begged God to intervene. He then questioned God’s silence when he needed God most. (See Mark 15:34.)
Jesus was no stranger to fear, loneliness, desperation, pain, anguish, and confusion. He felt them all on the cross. They are emotions shared by all humans. God doesn’t think less of us for having those feelings or expressing them out loud. They don’t make us less faithful; they make us human.
It may take courage to admit any of these feelings, but doing so binds us together and makes us stronger. There will be a time, however, when we will leave all this behind us and dwell with God where the sorrows of this world do not exist. (See Rev. 21:3-4.) In the meantime, we can extend to others the same compassion and love we so desperately need by standing together in prayer and offering encouragement.
Read more from the author, here.
More from Esther Bonner
What can we offer someone who is struggling or suffering immeasurably?
Most people need genuine understanding, warmth, and compassion. Sometimes the best way to demonstrate that isn't with words but with actions. Giving a hug, sitting quietly with them, providing a meal, or crying with them. Romans 12:15 instructs us to "... weep with those who weep."
Words often fail us at times like this so it's ok to tell the person you don't know what to say or simply say, "I'm sorry."
Or "If there's anything you need or I can do please let me know." Or "I'm here for you if you need someone to talk to."
Listening, without offering any explanation or giving advice, is a great comfort. Sometimes people just need to get their feelings out there.
Giving someone a pep talk when they're at their lowest isn't always received well. It's better to listen and try to understand. Most people understand that life is "temporary," that "this too will pass," and they need to get up the next day and try again. Someone else saying it came across as judgmental, dismissive, or cold. Generally people need time more than advice.
I think saying, "I know" should be used sparingly since every person and situation is different. We can't truly know what another person is going through. And above all else, it's important not to compare and or talk about how much worse your situation was or is.
My rule of thumb is to think long and hard about how I would want to be treated in the same situation and, if I'm not sure, offer a warm embrace. That in itself speaks volumes. [Esther Bonner]
What can we offer someone who is struggling or suffering immeasurably?Most people need genuine understanding, warmth, and compassion. Sometimes the best way to demonstrate that isn't with words but with actions. Giving a hug, sitting quietly with them, providing a meal, or crying with them. Romans 12:15 instructs us to "... weep with those who weep."
Words often fail us at times like this so it's ok to tell the person you don't know what to say or simply say, "I'm sorry."
Or "If there's anything you need or I can do please let me know." Or "I'm here for you if you need someone to talk to."
Listening, without offering any explanation or giving advice, is a great comfort. Sometimes people just need to get their feelings out there.
Giving someone a pep talk when they're at their lowest isn't always received well. It's better to listen and try to understand. Most people understand that life is "temporary," that "this too will pass," and they need to get up the next day and try again. Someone else saying it came across as judgmental, dismissive, or cold. Generally people need time more than advice.
I think saying, "I know" should be used sparingly since every person and situation is different. We can't truly know what another person is going through. And above all else, it's important not to compare and or talk about how much worse your situation was or is.
My rule of thumb is to think long and hard about how I would want to be treated in the same situation and, if I'm not sure, offer a warm embrace. That in itself speaks volumes. [Esther Bonner]
Prayer focus: Someone who is lonely
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