Today is World Mental Health Day, so I have been reflecting on the fact that Jesus experienced anguish at the end of his earthly ministry.

In Matthew 26 Jesus shared what was on his heart with his disciples the night before he was crucified saying:

Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

Luke 22:44 adds more detail to what Jesus was experiencing that night.

And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.

Jesus experienced deep anguish that night. Because of that, he can understand us when we experience depression, anxiety or other mental health issues. That is part of him being our Sympathetic High Priest that we can come to for grace and mercy as Hebrews 4 says:

 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

We do not need to suffer alone. Jesus wants us to come him with our depression, anxiety, worries, and more. He wants to help us in our journey in this life.

We can also seek help from pastors, therapists, and friends. It is okay to not be okay, but it is important to ask for help when we need help.

Thank you for reading. God Bless.

14 responses to “World Mental Health Day 2023- Jesus Understands Anguish”

  1. Well this is interesting, that’s exactly the part we were reading last night at our Bible study. We have a few people in our group, myself included, who have been through some troubles recently. We spoke about Jesus’ grief as well as the apostles’ and left on a positive note, just like what you just wrote. The Word of God is so amazing! God bless you and yours.

    1. I have been through a lot myself but Jesus helped me a lot. That is why I wrote my book Jesus Understands Trauma.

      It is interesting my post today was about something your group talked about. Maybe God letting you know something 🙂

      1. I’m sorry to hear that you’ve been through a lot, but glad that Jesus has been your Comforter. He is so good! And you wrote a book, that’s fantastic!

      2. Thank you little sister.

  2. It is such a comfort to know that Jesus understands because He’s been there.

  3. My husband forwarded me a little article of encouragement regarding mental health day yesterday. As I was reading your post I thought of how fitting your book is to go right along with this.

    1. Thank you little sister 🙂

    1. Thank you for reading 🙂

  4. Mental health is truly affecting so many. This passage continues to give me comfort knowing my Heavenly Father understands. Five sparrows sell for two coins of small value, do they not? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.h Have no fear; you are worth more than many sparrows.

    1. It comforting to know God understands and how much he values us

  5. Those drops of blood symbolized deep mental anguish. Powerful. Thanks for sharing

    1. Thank you for reading 🙂
      It is comforting to know Jesus understands

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