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The Waiting Room of the Soul: Finding Hope in John 11

Have you ever felt like you’re in a waiting room? Not a physical one, with sterile chairs and old magazines, but an internal one. A space in your mind where everything feels suspended, where hope seems distant, and you’re just waiting…waiting for relief, for clarity, for something to change. If you struggle with mental health challenges, this waiting room may feel like a familiar place. Today, let's step into the story of John 11, the account of Lazarus’s sickness and resurrection, and discover the profound mental and spiritual truths it holds.


Imagine this: Mary and Martha send word to Jesus that their brother Lazarus is desperately ill. They know Jesus can heal him. They’ve seen His miracles, they trust His power, and they send a plea born of love and desperation. Now, here’s where it gets interesting. Instead of rushing to their side, Jesus stays where He is for two more days. Two days. In human terms, that delay can feel like an eternity, especially when you’re facing a crisis.


For Mary and Martha, this waiting would have been agonizing. The stress, the fear, the rollercoaster of hope and despair – it's a feeling all too familiar to those grappling with mental health issues. When you’re in the throes of anxiety or depression, every minute feels amplified. Waiting for help, for a breakthrough, can feel unbearable. Clinically, this delay would likely increase their stress hormones and exacerbate feelings of helplessness. The uncertainty is a known trigger for anxiety, and the perceived abandonment can deepen feelings of depression.


When Jesus finally arrives, Lazarus has already been dead for four days. Martha meets Jesus first and says, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:21, NIV). This statement is heavy with grief, frustration, and a tinge of reproach. It’s a raw, honest expression of pain. It’s also a sentiment many of us can relate to when facing mental health struggles. "Why, God? Why me? Why now? If You had just… things would be different." These are valid questions, born from real pain.


Here’s the beauty of this passage: Jesus doesn’t dismiss Martha’s pain. He listens. He engages with her grief. He says, “Your brother will rise again” (John 11:23, NIV). While Martha initially interprets this as referring to the general resurrection, Jesus clarifies: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26, NIV).


This is a pivotal moment. Jesus isn’t just talking about physical resurrection; He’s speaking to the deeper, spiritual realities of life and death – and to the possibility of hope in seemingly hopeless situations. When we’re struggling with our mental health, it can feel like a part of us has died – our joy, our motivation, our sense of purpose. But Jesus reminds us that He is the resurrection and the life. Even in the midst of our internal battles, there is hope for renewal, for restoration, for life to return.


What happens next? Jesus goes to the tomb. He weeps. He feels the weight of their grief. This shows us that Jesus is not a distant, aloof figure. He is deeply compassionate. He enters into our pain. When you feel overwhelmed, know that Jesus sees your tears, hears your cries, and feels your burden. He is not indifferent to your struggle.


Then, He calls out, “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:43, NIV). And Lazarus emerges, alive. This is a powerful image of hope. Even when things seem utterly dead, beyond repair, God can bring life. He can bring healing. He can bring resurrection. It may not always look the way we expect, or happen on our timeline, but He is capable of bringing about miraculous change.


What does this mean for you if you’re in the waiting room of your soul today? First, your feelings are valid. It's okay to be frustrated, afraid, and to question God. Second, Jesus is with you in the waiting. He sees your pain and hears your prayers, even when He seems silent. Third, He is the resurrection and the life. There is hope for healing and restoration, even when things feel lifeless. Fourth, don't be afraid to bring your raw, honest emotions to Him. Like Martha, He wants to engage with your heart.


Questions for Reflection:

  • Where in your life do you feel like you’re in a waiting room? What emotions does this bring up?

  • How does the story of Mary and Martha’s experience resonate with your own struggles?

  • What does it mean to you that Jesus is “the resurrection and the life”?

  • What step can you take today to bring your honest feelings to Jesus?

May you find comfort, strength, and hope as you journey through your own “waiting room,” knowing that you are not alone, and that Jesus is with you, offering life and resurrection.


Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational and encouragement purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical or mental health advice. If you are experiencing severe mental health distress, please seek help from a qualified professional.


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