On a recent trip to Norway, one of our friends shared with us that 50% of young people in the country were struggling with mental health. In America, one out of four people are taking medicine for anxiety, depression, and ADHD. You walk through a retail or grocery store and people are agitated. Frustration and anger are at a tipping point. The one who has a smile on their face, offering a kind word to strangers is the one who stands out among the majority. What is happening? How did we get here?
Our world carries much anxiety and stress, anger and frustration. There are more tools to be connected, and yet we are even more isolated and alone. Doomless scrolling, comparison, concerns about world events, frustrations with relationships, and more have stolen joy and peace from many.
We need something to change. And in this Easter season, we are reminded that new life has come, hope has risen and the gift of salvation is available to all who will respond.
The challenges we are facing in the world today are not new. We have just labeled it mental health and given ourselves a diagnosis. Jesus had great compassion for all who carry these struggles, and He still does today.
“Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Matthew 9:35-38)
- Jesus brings Good News.
- Jesus heals disease and sickness.
- Jesus is full of compassion for those feeling harassed and helpless.
- Jesus is our Shepherd who desires to protect and care for us.
John 10:10 promises us Jesus has come to give abundant life. He offers hope, peace, and joy to all who come to Him. Our enemy loves nothing more than to harass us through lying thoughts, cruel actions of others, wrong beliefs, and temptations leading us into harmful choices. Jesus wants us to live in freedom.
In just a few chapters later, we read in Matthew 11:28-30 of the hope He offers. I love the Message version of this passage.
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
Jesus offers rest for our minds, souls, and bodies. It comes with being yoked with Him and not with the things this world offers us. He desires we live freely and light and this only comes with staying in Him. The world offers us chaos and confusion, but Jesus offers us joy and peace.
As Jesus was speaking with His disciples in the earlier passage in Matthew 9, He told them there was much to harvest but there were very few workers. Meaning there were many who were harassed and helpless and need someone to come and share the good news with them, but few are willing and able to do so. He instructed the disciples to ask the Lord of the harvest for more workers. God’s pathway for sharing His good news is through His believers. When we walk in salvation and freedom the Lord offers us, He desires that we would be bearers of this good news to others.
The Holy Spirit equips us to bring the good news to others. As we read, pray, and spend time listening to Him, He gives us the words and actions to help those who are harassed and helpless. I love this promise in Isaiah that He will fill us with His wisdom to help others as we spend time with Him.
The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue,
to know the word that sustains the weary.
He wakens me morning by morning,
wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.
Isaiah 50:4
What a blessing to receive peace and joy from Jesus as we spend time with Him, walk with Him, and praise Him; and then it’s a great honor to be a conduit of this to those around us.
May we continue to live…
Rooted in Him,
