An Olive Grove called Gethsemane



Matthew 26: 36,38,40-41 

Then Jesus brought them to an olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, “Sit here while I go ahead to pray.” He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and watch with me.” Then he returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Couldn’t you stay awake and watch with me even one hour? Keep alert and pray. Otherwise temptation will overpower you. For though the spirit is willing enough, the body is weak!” 

I have to admit that with Covid, these dark and dreary, rainy and snowy days that I find myself struggling for energy and motivation! If I have not a reason to get up on the weekends I have had the tendency to roll over and resist the urge to get out of bed. This morning thankfully the words of the above scripture came to me and gave me some inspiration to try and do something meaningful… 

Have you ever found yourself in a funk. Lazy and undermotivated? Have you made excuses to avoid helping out either in church activities or in your community because you are either too tired or unable to find the inspiration? 

Psalm 51: 1-4, 7-10 Have mercy upon me O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your Great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. But I recognize my shameful deeds-they haunt me day and night…. Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me and I will be white as snow. Oh give me back my joy again: you have broken me— now let me rejoice. Don’t keep looking back at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. Create in me a clean heart O God. Renew a right spirit within me… Restore to me again the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Then, I will teach your ways to sinners, and they will return to you. 

I thought I would share a verse and a chorus of a song I wrote, I hope you enjoy it. 

There are times in my life when I feel like Peter against the tree… Asleep on the job, when my Savior needed me. Who will come to inspire and awaken my heart? So I can better serve you Lord and better play my part. I pray for faith and the courage to be strong. I pray that I will love you my whole life long! I know that I’m a sinner and that you came to save… So forgive me Lord! and Lead me Lord! I pray. 

Prayer of hope and inspiration: Dear Lord help us to be inspired by your will and your words! Help us to better serve you throughout our daily lives. Amen.

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