Finding Hope and Healing in Our Scars
Summary
In today's world, anxiety and depression are pervasive issues that affect many, and it's crucial for any worldview to address these challenges meaningfully. Christianity offers a unique perspective on these feelings, acknowledging the gap between our current reality and the ideal world God intended. This chasm is felt deeply by both Christians and non-Christians alike. The commercial I mentioned, which humorously suggested that life is short and we should distract ourselves with video games, highlights a common but shallow response to life's brevity and struggles. In contrast, Christianity provides a profound understanding of our emotional experiences, such as separation anxiety, by explaining that we are exiles in this world, with our true home being in heaven.
The Bible reassures us that our natural state on earth involves separation from God, which can manifest as anxiety. While cognitive behavioral therapy often suggests that our fears are exaggerated, Christianity acknowledges that some fears are grounded in the harsh realities of a broken world. However, it also emphasizes that we may underestimate who can truly help us. Jesus, as our wonderful counselor, has experienced the depths of human suffering and isolation, making Him uniquely qualified to understand and support us.
Jesus invites us to bring our burdens to Him, offering rest for our souls. He doesn't dismiss our fears but encourages us to trust Him with them. The story of a woman who sought a therapist willing to touch her scars illustrates the deep need for connection and understanding. This mirrors what God did through the incarnation, descending into our brokenness to touch our wounds. Jesus not only understands our scars but was scarred for us, inviting us to trust Him with our pain.
Ultimately, while our scars may not disappear, they hold the promise of bearing the glory of the One who was scarred for us. In this life, we will face scars related to anxiety and depression, but we can find hope in Jesus, who offers healing and transformation.
Key Takeaways:
- Christianity acknowledges the gap between our current reality and the ideal world, offering a profound understanding of anxiety and depression. It recognizes that these feelings stem from our separation from God and our true home in heaven. [02:31]
- While cognitive behavioral therapy suggests that fears are often exaggerated, Christianity acknowledges that some fears are grounded in the harsh realities of a broken world. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing who can truly help us. [04:54]
- Jesus, as our wonderful counselor, has experienced the depths of human suffering and isolation, making Him uniquely qualified to understand and support us. He invites us to bring our burdens to Him, offering rest for our souls. [06:36]
- The story of a woman seeking a therapist willing to touch her scars illustrates the deep need for connection and understanding. This mirrors what God did through the incarnation, descending into our brokenness to touch our wounds. [08:03]
- While our scars may not disappear, they hold the promise of bearing the glory of the One who was scarred for us. In this life, we will face scars related to anxiety and depression, but we can find hope in Jesus, who offers healing and transformation. [09:22]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:16] - Addressing Mental Health
[00:30] - Life's Fleeting Nature
[01:12] - The Xbox Commercial
[01:37] - Christianity's Unique Perspective
[02:05] - Living with God
[02:31] - The Reality of Anxiety
[03:06] - Separation Anxiety
[03:43] - Overestimating Fears
[04:31] - Real Fears in a Broken World
[05:05] - Jesus as Our Counselor
[06:25] - Jesus' Invitation
[07:13] - Touching Our Scars
[08:29] - Trusting Jesus with Our Scars
[09:22] - Hope in Our Scars
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV): "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
2. Philippians 3:20 (NIV): "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ."
3. John 20:27 (NIV): "Then he said to Thomas, 'Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.'"
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Jesus promise to those who are weary and burdened in Matthew 11:28-30? How does this relate to the sermon’s message about finding rest in Jesus? [06:36]
2. According to Philippians 3:20, where is our true citizenship, and how does this concept help us understand feelings of separation and anxiety? [03:19]
3. In John 20:27, what does Jesus invite Thomas to do, and how does this invitation reflect the sermon’s theme of Jesus understanding and sharing in our scars? [08:57]
4. How does the sermon describe the difference between the world's response to anxiety and depression and the Christian perspective? [01:37]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How might understanding our citizenship in heaven (Philippians 3:20) change the way we perceive our current struggles and anxieties? [03:19]
2. In what ways does Jesus’ invitation to bring our burdens to Him (Matthew 11:28-30) challenge or comfort you in your personal experiences with anxiety or depression? [06:36]
3. How does the story of Thomas touching Jesus’ scars (John 20:27) illustrate the depth of connection and understanding that Jesus offers us? [08:57]
4. The sermon mentions that some fears are grounded in the harsh realities of a broken world. How does this acknowledgment affect the way we approach our fears and anxieties? [04:54]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like an exile in this world. How can the knowledge of your heavenly citizenship (Philippians 3:20) provide comfort and perspective in similar situations? [03:19]
2. Jesus invites us to bring our burdens to Him. What specific burdens are you carrying right now that you need to hand over to Jesus? How can you practically do this in your daily life? [06:36]
3. Consider the scars you carry, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. How can you invite Jesus into those areas of your life, trusting Him as the one who was scarred for you? [08:57]
4. The sermon suggests that we may underestimate who can truly help us. Who in your life can you reach out to for support, and how can you also be a source of support for others? [05:05]
5. How can you cultivate a deeper sense of connection and understanding with others who are experiencing anxiety or depression, following the example of Jesus’ willingness to touch our scars? [07:13]
6. What practical steps can you take this week to remind yourself of the hope and transformation that Jesus offers, even amidst ongoing struggles with anxiety or depression? [09:22]
7. How can you incorporate the practice of bringing your fears to Jesus into your daily routine, and what changes do you anticipate this might bring to your life? [06:36]
Devotional
Day 1: The Chasm Between Reality and God's Ideal
In today's world, anxiety and depression are pervasive issues that affect many, and it's crucial for any worldview to address these challenges meaningfully. Christianity offers a unique perspective on these feelings, acknowledging the gap between our current reality and the ideal world God intended. This chasm is felt deeply by both Christians and non-Christians alike. The commercial mentioned, which humorously suggested that life is short and we should distract ourselves with video games, highlights a common but shallow response to life's brevity and struggles. In contrast, Christianity provides a profound understanding of our emotional experiences, such as separation anxiety, by explaining that we are exiles in this world, with our true home being in heaven. [02:31]
"For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come." (Hebrews 13:14, ESV)
Reflection: How does recognizing yourself as an exile in this world change your perspective on your current struggles and anxieties?
Day 2: Recognizing Real Fears in a Broken World
While cognitive behavioral therapy often suggests that our fears are exaggerated, Christianity acknowledges that some fears are grounded in the harsh realities of a broken world. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing who can truly help us. The Bible reassures us that our natural state on earth involves separation from God, which can manifest as anxiety. However, it also emphasizes that we may underestimate who can truly help us. Jesus, as our wonderful counselor, has experienced the depths of human suffering and isolation, making Him uniquely qualified to understand and support us. [04:54]
"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4, ESV)
Reflection: What are some fears you face today that are grounded in reality? How can you invite Jesus into these fears to find comfort and guidance?
Day 3: Jesus, Our Wonderful Counselor
Jesus invites us to bring our burdens to Him, offering rest for our souls. He doesn't dismiss our fears but encourages us to trust Him with them. As our wonderful counselor, Jesus has experienced the depths of human suffering and isolation, making Him uniquely qualified to understand and support us. The story of a woman who sought a therapist willing to touch her scars illustrates the deep need for connection and understanding. This mirrors what God did through the incarnation, descending into our brokenness to touch our wounds. [06:36]
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin." (Hebrews 4:15, ESV)
Reflection: What burdens are you carrying today that you need to bring to Jesus? How can you practically lay these burdens at His feet and trust Him with them?
Day 4: The Incarnation: God Touching Our Wounds
The story of a woman seeking a therapist willing to touch her scars illustrates the deep need for connection and understanding. This mirrors what God did through the incarnation, descending into our brokenness to touch our wounds. Jesus not only understands our scars but was scarred for us, inviting us to trust Him with our pain. This profound act of love and empathy shows that God is not distant but intimately involved in our healing process. [08:03]
"He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed." (1 Peter 2:24, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a scar, physical or emotional, that you carry. How can you invite Jesus to touch this scar and bring healing and understanding?
Day 5: Hope in Our Scars
Ultimately, while our scars may not disappear, they hold the promise of bearing the glory of the One who was scarred for us. In this life, we will face scars related to anxiety and depression, but we can find hope in Jesus, who offers healing and transformation. Our scars become a testament to His grace and power, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles. Jesus' scars are a promise of His presence and His ability to transform our pain into something beautiful. [09:22]
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." (Romans 8:18, ESV)
Reflection: How can you view your scars as a testament to God's work in your life? What steps can you take today to embrace the hope and transformation Jesus offers through your scars?
Quotes
i really applaud the courage of of just asking this question and being open about anxiety and depression i mean we are in a mental health crisis in this country and i do believe that any world view that you're going to commit to has to speak to that and i don't think that everyone does i i remember seeing a commercial a while back and um the commercial depicted a baby being born and then over the next 30 seconds sort of an odd commercial but over the next 30 seconds this this child flew through the air and went through all the different stages of life so this kind of infant became a toddler became an adolescent and an adult and then started to become elderly and then kind of became more hunched over and gray as this person now descended out of the sky and crashed into a grave dead and then the screen went black and words appeared across the screen and said life is short play more xbox and i reacted just like that you know like i sort of like i sort of like instinctively left i'm like that's funny and then i was like but that's also devastating like really is that the best we've got life is short and it's full of anxiety and depression and loss and betrayal and relational conflict and but there's nothing we can do about it anyway so you know just try to distract yourself just you know spend more time on social media and just play more xbox like is that really the best that we've got and i believe that christianity says something very different and it says something that affirms in one sense those feelings of anxiety and depression because it says that there is a large chasm between the way things are right now and the way things are supposed to be and christians feel that deeply too it was cs lewis who said that we're content to play in the mud because we can't imagine a holiday at the beach we can't imagine the goodness of actually living life with god and the community he desires and how good that would be eternally so we're content sometimes in in the mud but but sometimes it also goes the other way too like once we get a glimpse as a christian of the goodness of living with god it can then be very difficult to kind of come back and live in the mud of this broken world so i think that this the anxiety the depression this is something which is felt across the board whether you're a non-christian or whether you're a christian we need a worldview that says something to it we need a worldview that answers the question why do i feel this way and we need a worldview that answers the question who can help and i find that the christian faith says a lot about why we feel that way right first in a general sense there's this chasm between where we are and where things are supposed to be but let's even get more specific how about one form of anxiety take separation anxiety one type of anxiety okay anxiety caused by a sense of not having a home or being separated from people who are supposed to be significant in your life the bible tells me that i'm in exile that i'm a foreigner that my real citizenship is in heaven it tells me that there's a significant sense in which i'm not home it helps to make sense of some of those emotions and it also tells me that my natural state on this earth is separation from the person that i'm supposed to be in closest relationship with with god himself so it makes sense of some of what we experience and oftentimes in the context of anxiety we're told that what has happened is that we've overestimated our fears that we have fears that are out of proportion with the reality of the circumstances that are causing them a lot of cognitive behavioral therapy that's one of the thrusts now sometimes that's right okay sometimes that's good like if you have an irrational fear of spiders in a place where there are no spiders then great like let's let's talk about that let's fact check that let's get some new neural pathways going like you know let's let's deal with that but what about when the fears are grounded very firmly in the reality of this broken world now what about when the fears are that the relationships that mean the most to you might not last what about when the fears are of betrayal what about when the fears are the hopes that you have for life are going to go unfulfilled what about when the fear is death what about when the fears are not overestimated but they they are very real in this broken world then what are we supposed to do and maybe it's not so much that we've overestimated our fears but we've underestimated who can do something about it and i remember when my best friend had a mental breakdown caused by anxiety and i remember him saying to me only a counselor who has been through what i am going through can help and i thought that was such a significant statement from him and i was able to talk to him about jesus being our wonderful counselor being the counselor who actually has been through it who has suffered with us and not in just some general sense right he sweat blood in the garden right does he understand the experience of the walls closing in okay when he was arrested everyone deserted him and fled i've always thought it's one of the most devastating lines in all of the bible but he understands that sense of being betrayed he understands that sense of isolation on the cross as joe said him crying why have you forsaken me he understands an emotion so deep and visceral as forsaken-ness is jesus mad at us for these emotions that that we have no i think he's mad with us i think he's mad with us because he really understands in a very specific way and the world is not the way it's supposed to be and he's enacted a plan for eventually the world to be very different both right now where he says you can come to me come to me all of you who are weary and burdened and i will give you rest you will find rest for your souls for my yoke is easy and my burden is light you don't have to convince yourselves that your fears are overestimated you can acknowledge that they're real but you can hand them over to me right now and then eventually one day there's going to come a time where there can be no more death or mourning or crying or pain if you put your trust in me and i will be the one who wipes away every tear jesus understands and jesus can do something about it i remember a friend a clinical therapist a good friend of mine and he told me that there was a woman who came to him and she had a long history of cutting herself and they had their first session together and then at the end of the first session she said there's just one more question before i decide whether we can work together or not and then she said will you touch my scars and he asked her why that was important to her and she said well that's the only way i'll know if you really care about me if you're willing to cross a divide to actually reach out and touch my scars and my wounds and what my friend said to me was he said what she was saying was are you willing to viscerally descend into the darkness with me are you willing to be identified with my brokenness are you willing to actually touch my being with with yours and through the process of their counseling he had the opportunity to share with him that that is exactly what god has done in the incarnation god literally descends to touch our scars he literally puts his being into our being and reaches out and is identified with our wounds and through that she gave her life to christ and he was able to also share with her that even beyond that jesus not only reaches out and touches your scars but he was scarred for you even invites you to touch his scars to think of doubting thomas right he says i can't put my trust in you unless i actually see the scars and can reach out and touch them and jesus appeared and said peace be with you and he said reach your hand and put it here reach out your hand and put it into my side we can we can trust jesus with our scars because he was scarred for us and then beyond that he literally invited us to reach out and touch his scars he trusted us with his scars so we can trust him with our scars and through this this woman was able to see that jesus was the one that she could put her trust in and she eventually said this beautiful stunning word she said i know now that my scars likely will not disappear she said but i have hope that one day they will bear the glory of the one who was scarred for me every one of us will have scars in this life they will often have a lot to do with anxiety and depression but can we turn to the one who gives us hope that one day they will bear the glory of the one who was scarred for us [00:00:08]
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