I’ve been on a journey of learning to live more stress free, to allow God to heal my stress response and teach me to live with more peace and relentless enjoyment of life. To learn this lifestyle, I need example and models to look at, who will give me some references on what is possible.
In a world where stress is rising and the inner peace of people’s lives is falling, is it possible to cultivate a life that is not dictated by stress?
So my question is, did Jesus face stress? Did He ever get stressed out? The answer might surprise you.
The best answer lies in the life of Christ, but I often find His response is misrepresented. Jesus is often depicted as a silent man who walked around with a solemn expression and never reacted with intense emotions.There is way more to His example that I want to point out.
Jesus and Stress
Our Lord knew what it means to face intensely stressful situations. His was no stranger to it.
In fact, I want to point out the most stressful situation recorded in the life of Christ. The night He walked in Gethsemane to face His biggest trial gives us a inside scoop as to how He faced the most trying moments of His life.
Then they came to a place which was named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” And He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and He began to be troubled and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch.” Mark 14:32-34 (NKJV)
Troubled and Distressed
I would say we’re looking at a stressful situation here. Jesus cannot deny that the weight of the world is actually beginning to come upon His shoulders. Stress like you have never faced in your life is looming upon Jesus.
The words distressed and troubled are used. The word translated “troubled” is the Greek word, “ekthambeo,” meaning “to utterly astonish; to be struck with amazement and/or terror.”
Deeply distressed is the word, “ademoneo” with means to be troubled, but it goes even deeper. It means to be in great distress, in deep anguish and in great depression. In fact, this is one of three Greek words that is used to describe depression. And of those 3 words, this word “ademoneo” is the strongest word to describe a great sense of depression.
Jesus is not dealing with a little conflict or a tidbit of stress. He’s getting hit with the most intense emotions a human could possibly face. Yet it was necessary for Him to go through this, not only to fulfill the mission He came to accomplish, but to relate to what you go through.
So when you are going through fear or deep depression, you are not calling out to a High Priest who does not get what you are going through.
Jesus can look into your eyes and truly say, “I’ve been there. I’ve been through even worse. I can help you through.”
Those of you struggling with intense fear, anxiety and feelings of hopeless depression, Jesus knows what means to go through that.
See Your Stress Through Different Eyes
Sometimes we see fear or depression as something to shake off, rather than something to go through, so that we discover the power and breakthrough available on the other side.
Shame kills people today who are going through great trials in their emotions. Not only are they feeling a cloak of emotional stress, they feel terrible that they are even in this dark cloud to begin with.
Jesus is under a great trial that we can see if very deep. Blood is coming out of his sweat glands.
Some Christians today would say, “Jesus, don’t claim that you are feeling depressed or distressed. Get over it.”
Yet our Lord taught us what it meant to share the honesty of the moment, while inviting the Father to meet you in the moment and let Him lead you to comfort and empowerment.
Getting Honest About Stress
Stress relief does not mean you deny there is a problem. Letting go of stress actually involves an honest realization of what is going on, while inviting God into the circumstance, so you may gain His heart and perspective.
Jesus is telling His disciples, “If you really want to know what is going on the inside of Me, as I face this difficult trial, it causes the most intense feelings of distress you could ever think of. It brings about a sense of sorrow and depression in Me to the very point of death.”
He even considered another option. So when you feel like escaping your pain and struggle, your Lord know what that feels like.
I Know What That’s Like
I’ve had to face numerous layers of anxiety, obsessive thinking and deep depression. It’s become a tender place in my heart to help others walk through the valley and wilderness with greater clarity and compassion. I want to give others what I wish I had when I was in the deepest pit.
It helps me so much to realize that Jesus knows what those feelings are like. He did not walk around detached from difficult emotions. It’s hard to talk to someone about anxiety or depression who has never dealt with it. They stare at you with empty eyes, or they start preaching at you with a “get over it” sermon that leaves you feeling more defeated.
Our Lord knows exactly what I am going through. That alone can help rip off the shame, so that I stop trying to just rid myself of the struggle and let God meet me in the battle.
Christ knows about pressure and the impact of stress. He didn’t take shortcuts. So He comes to you with the confidence of the Father’s heart, that you will get through this and come out of it shining with hope and joy.
Stress and Loneliness
Ever notice that when you are going through some of the deepest trials within your mind and emotions, it seems that relationships are far away? Do you feel like a new level of loneliness sets in?
Jesus knows what that feels like too.
Then He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not watch one hour? Mark 14:37-38 (NKJV)
He looks at His three closest friends and says, “Really!? You guys can’t hang with me for one hour while I am going through the most difficult time of my life?”
Those moments tell us something very profound. When it seems like no one is around, there is a deeper place God is leading you through, to give you a strength that a great friend cannot provide. There is a deeper place of dependance that only the Father can grant.
The Power Received in Stressful Times
It’s in your garden of trial, with great distress, pressure and darkness that you learn to pull from heaven like never before. Just keep in mind that your Savior went through this. He knows what you are going through, so talk to God with that in mind.
The pressure and stress may seem great on you. But you are not alone.
And the jewels on the other side will greatly outweigh the pain of what you face right now.