Overwhelmed

Overwhelmed
Words of Faith 3-29-24
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2024
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL
www.faithfellowshipweb.com
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Mark 14
[33] He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. [34] "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death," he said to them. "Stay here and keep watch."

Here, in the place called Gethsemane, we see the complete and deep humanity of Jesus revealed. The road to the cross was not an easy one. The trial ahead was not some whimsical walk in the park. Jesus was facing actual accusers with real hate in their hearts. Jesus was facing real fists, clubs, whips, and nails. This was not some after dinner "church play". Jesus was distressed. He was troubled. It was a time to pray, but He needed to share His struggle with someone else. "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death..." He said to them.
Have you ever been there? Many have probably felt some emotion like Jesus described here at Gethsemane. Jesus really does understand the grief that threatens to swallow us. There is even that overwhelming sorrow... "to the point of death," which Jesus felt as He contemplated the pain of His own death, which may be something very close to the deep sadness that a person feels when considering taking their own life. Though Jesus did not contemplate such a decision, He understands, even when we might think that no one does.
Interestingly, Jesus shared this feeling with a trusted inner circle. Did Jesus "need" their support and prayer? Perhaps as God made flesh, He did not, but in His humanity, He did. Jesus gave us an example. He asked a few trusted friends to "keep a watch." How much more do we need the strength of close friends when we go through a difficult time.
Solomon wrote: "Two are better than one because they have a good return for their work: [10] If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! [11] Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? [12] Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken" (Eccles. 4:9-12).
Do you have someone who will keep watch with you in the dark hour of the soul? Of course, Jesus, our Savior, and the Holy Spirit, our Counselor and Friend, are there to stand watch with us no matter what, but what of the Body of Christ? Are there those that you have committed to stand watch with, and they with you, should the need arise?

Lord, I give thanks that You indeed understand the dark night of the soul. Help me to find and identify those in the Body of Christ with whom I might commit to stand watch. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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© Jeffrey D. Hoy 2024
Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy - Faith Fellowship Church (EFCA)
2820 Business Center Blvd.
Melbourne, Florida 32940 (321)-259-7200
Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com
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