He began to be deeply
distressed and troubled.
—Mark 14:33
Three times in Gethsemane Jesus prayed for deliverance. Mark inked powerful verbs to describe his angst: distressed . . . troubled . . . overwhelmed.
But after submitting to his Father’s will, he awakened his sleeping disciples and serenely said: “The hour has come. Rise! Let us go!” He had fought the battle; the struggle was over; he was at peace.
He calmly confronted the Judas-led mob: “Who is it you want?” he asked. “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “I am he,” he said.
An hour or so later, when asked by the high priest, “Are you the Christ?” he sealed the verdict of death by calmly answering, “I am.”
When in distress, pray fervently, as he did. Then add this P.S.: “Yet not what I will, but what you will.” That will take you from turbulence to serenity, for it will put you in the hands of him who knows best.
Your Father’s will is your safe harbor.