Your will be done
Some feel that Christians should never struggle with depression or other mental health issues such as anxiety. Kimberly explains that this thought can be damaging, and it is okay to struggle with these issues, but we need to still place our trust in God.
By Kimberly Ross
The Garden of Gethsemane, at the foot of the Mount of Olives.
The suggestion that those who love Christ and trust in Him should also never struggle with depression does much damage. Expecting that anguish and turmoil will be limited or non-existent in the life of a believer is entirely unrealistic. It's a welcome thought: faith equals a trouble-free life. But it is entirely unmoored from a fallen world where trials and tribulations exist for us all.
The news is filled with stories of war, famine, terrorism, and destruction. Politics are as divisive as ever. Inequality runs rampant. The innocent are harmed. Christians are persecuted worldwide. There is a need for welcome diversions from reality. But we fight on, determined to dismiss feelings of sadness that may develop. Dwelling on concerns in a manner that places them above what God is more than capable of doing is wrong. It says God is untrustworthy. This, of course, is nonsense. At the same time, there is no need to feel guilty when, as a Christian, you feel depressed.
Another Easter has passed. The season is a time to reflect upon Christ's sacrifice and what His payment for sin means. The end of the story, resurrection and hope, is always the focus; as it should be. However, there is a need to remember the human aspect of the journey. One of the most painful parts happened before the cross.
In Luke 22, Jesus prays on the Mount of Olives while his disciples are nearby. He understands the task before Him. He understands the pain He must endure for your sake and mine. Luke 22:42-44 reads, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him. And being in anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground." If that is not an example of deep emotional and mental suffering, I am not sure what is. The passage is filled with a torment unlike any other. Christ's condition is known as hematidrosis. It is rare and occurs when someone is under the most extreme physical or emotional stress. So Jesus Christ, the Son of God, knowing full well what awaits Him, earnestly prays for His Father to "take this cup from me." In other words, He prayerfully pleads with the Father to deliver Him from the agony that will soon extend to His body. Immediately following that request, Christ prays, "yet not my will, but yours be done."
The humanity present in those moments, difficult as it may be to read, should be encouraging. As Christians, there are times when we face the unfamiliar, unknown, and agonizing of this life with one request: please remove it, Lord. That those burdens exist or feel too much to bear should not garner shame. After all, the perfect Son of God prayerfully requested the same. The difference is, Jesus Christ then concluded with the acknowledgment of the Father's will. That still matters most of all.
This life's burdens can feel unbearable. In the midst of all that is good and given, we can still feel overwhelmed. To feel that weight isn't sinful. To feel crushed by the load is to be human. The point is, the moments of darkness and doubt can only be met with an acceptance of God's perfect path, wherever that may lead.