John 13: A Troubled Spirit
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After Jesus had said this, he was deeply troubled in spirit.
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The most devastating effect of the pandemic has not been viral. It has been spiritual, emotional, and mental.
The past couple of years have been difficult for all of us. For those who struggle with depression or other forms of mental illness, this time has been devastating.
No one is immune to this struggle. Beauty, fame, and fortune are no protection. Sometimes those who seem to have everything going for them may be the ones who have to struggle the most. They feel they have to keep it hidden at all costs.
Sometimes I believe the last place people feel free to share mental and emotional turmoil is the church. Everyone seems to have it all together there. Those suffering internally feel they must be the only one.
That's a shame, because even Jesus faced times when his spirit was troubled. That shouldn't surprise us. He couldn't be a savior for real people if he didn't know the dark night of the soul.
So if you are troubled in spirit today, you don't have hide it any longer. You don't have to face it alone. Call a loved one. Reach out to a pastor or counselor.
We've all been there, and we're all ready to walk with you. Even Jesus.