There’s a new cell phone app that claims it can help you de-stress. To use it, you have to clip a heart-rate monitor to your ear. The app then provides biofeedback that can help you find your “ideal breathing rate.” Once you’re inhaling and exhaling at the proper intervals, your stress level should decline.
No matter what you think about apps designed to help you relax, most of us need a healthy way to decompress from life’s pressure. Jesus faced a much greater strain than any of us will ever endure—death by crucifixion.
Just before that event, He took the disciples to an olive grove and said, “Sit here while I go over there to pray” (Matthew 26:36). When He was “anguished and distressed” (Matthew 26:37), He turned immediately to a spiritual remedy for a spiritual problem. Jesus asked His Father, “If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from Me” (Matthew 26:39). He prayed for an alternative to agony, but He also prayed for God’s will to prevail. He prayed knowing what the answer would be.
Jesus prayed once, twice, and then “He went to pray a third time, saying the same things again” (Matthew 26:44). When His soul was “crushed with grief to the point of death” (Matthew 26:38), Jesus persisted in calling out to God, just as He instructed people to do earlier in His ministry (Luke 11:9).
Although Jesus still had to endure the cross, prayer helped Him to surrender and go forward with God’s plan. He roused the disciples, saying, “Up, let’s be going!” (Matthew 26:46). To Judas, He said, “My friend, go ahead and do what you have come for” (Matthew 26:50). When Peter tried to defend Him, Jesus said, “Put away your sword” (Matthew 26:52).
The next time you’re anxious or in distress, remember Jesus’ example of prayer in His time of struggle.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Philippians 3:1-21
More:
Read Luke 23:44-46 to see Jesus’ final prayer during His suffering. Read Philippians 4:6-7 to see the relationship between prayer and worry.
Next:
What’s the difference between prayer and prayerfulness? Why is it important to pray for God’s will to be done when we’re anxious?
tom felten on December 4, 2012 at 11:20 am
Thanks for this timely reminder, Jennifer. So often I’m tempted to respond to a situation without taking the time to bring the issue before our heavenly Father. Jesus gave us the perfect example of being both a prayer warrior and also a humble servant of God—willing to surrender and submit to His Father’s perfect will.
onevision on December 4, 2012 at 12:03 pm
“Jesus faced a much greater strain than any of us will ever endure—death by crucifixion” and what was the ultimate payment.
The wrath of God!
Separation from The Father.
I can’t imagine the torment.
jennifer benson schuldt on December 4, 2012 at 3:12 pm
onevision,
Yes–He faced greater stress and anxiety in those moments than we will ever face in our own lives. It’s hard to imagine the spiritual weight of sin on His shoulders as He hung on the cross (1 Peter 2:24). Thank you for the comment about all that Jesus endured on the cross.
jennifer benson schuldt on December 4, 2012 at 3:01 pm
Tom,
I’m right there with you, friend! I feel that same urge to give the “knee-jerk” response to situations without asking God what He thinks. Of course this always gets me into trouble. 🙂
I marvel at how easy it is to pray within our hearts–we can do it anytime, anywhere, under any circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:17). And yet, it sometimes seems like the busier life becomes, and the more I need to do it, the more I overlook it. Prayer does change things. If God does not decide to move in the way we wish He would, He can use prayer to change us on the inside.
winn collier on December 5, 2012 at 6:13 pm
Thanks for the reminder to breathe easy, in God. (however, I’m still convinced there’s no app for that : )
josy on December 5, 2012 at 9:56 pm
I made a little sign that I have by my computer at work that says, “Don’t forget to remember” and it reminds me to bring my work before the Lord each time I start something new.
Or like the saying goes, “When you need to lift a heavy load, bend at the knees”.
tom felten on December 6, 2012 at 10:07 am
Love that saying, josy. God can provide us with perspective with we bow in prayer before Him. It sure beats our limited view and limited power!