For decades, scientists have observed the benefits of prayer and faith on a person’s mental and emotional health. Prayer benefits a person’s anxiety levels. Study after study, the power of a person’s faith and prayer life have been noted. With so many people talking about the dramatic decline of mental health in today’s world, we would be wise to observe the response Jesus himself had with prayer.
When Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane praying before his arrest (Luke 22:41-44), He was sad and worried. Jesus knew what would soon be coming. He prayed to God, asking if there was a way to avoid the suffering, but He also wanted to do God’s will. While He prayed, an angel came to strengthen him. Jesus was in such dire pain that his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground (which has been scientifically documented as possible).
This story is vital for people facing mental health struggles. It shows that even when we are very scared or in pain, we can pray to God for help. Jesus gave us an example to show the importance of trusting God’s plan, however hard it is.
Jesus prayed even though he was afraid and in pain, still trusting God’s plan. Have faith even when we don’t understand the plan or when it seems difficult. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
We see by example that it is okay to ask God for help when we are scared or hurting. Through prayer, we have a powerful way to connect with God and find the strength we need to keep going.
We are also reminded that Jesus understands our pain. He knows what it feels like to be afraid and to suffer because He experienced it himself. This can be very comforting when we are going through tough times. Knowing that Jesus understands what we are feeling can help us feel less alone. It can give us hope and the strength to keep going. Hebrews 4:15 says, “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.”
Through this story we are also encouraged to keep praying, no matter what we are facing. Jesus kept praying even though he was in great distress. This teaches us that we should keep praying too, especially when things are hard. Prayer can give us the strength we need to face our challenges. It can help us feel closer to God and remind us that we are not alone. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to “pray without ceasing.”
The Bible has story after story that provides guidance for our daily lives. This particular story is a powerful reminder of the importance of prayer, trust, and the comfort that comes from knowing Jesus is with us in our struggles. With so much going on in this world, improved mental health is definitely needed. Perhaps prayer and a deepening faith could be just the type of prescription we all need.
Debby Efurd is co-founder of Cary John Efurd Ministries of Pittsburg, TX. She has been a contributor to Bound for Life and written numerous articles published in LifeNews, Christian Post and the Baptist Standard, and is the author of Go Tell It! Debby can be contacted at caryjohnefurdministries@gmail.com.
Tagged: Jesus, mental health, prayer, scripture, trusting God
