Introduction:
One thing that we come to learn from spending time in God’s Word, is that there is nothing new under the sun. Today, mental health has become a topic of discussion amongst us all; from all peoples hailing from every corner of the earth.
Is this new to the Word of God? Is this new to the eyes of God? Absolutely not; for nothing catches our heavenly Father by surprise. The Bible therefore stands as an invaluable source of wisdom, compassion, and understanding - even on matters mental health.
While of course, it is not a clinical manual, within the Holy Scriptures we find profound insights and comforting assurances that can guide us through the challenges of mental health. Let's explore how the Scriptures address the delicate topic of mental well-being.
- Acknowledging Our Emotions:
It has been said time and time again that our Father knows what we feel and that He relates to each and every one of our emotions. In fact, the Bible doesn't shy away from depicting the range of human emotions.
From joy to sorrow, fear to hope, we see characters like David in the Psalms openly express their feelings. Remember the story of Mary and Martha who had just lost their brother Lazarus? They did not shy away from making their feelings known to Jesus and drinking from His cup of comfort and healing.
This is simply an acknowledgment that while our emotions and feelings may be fleeting, they are still valid and God understands all our struggles and as His children He wants us to lay all of them, whether good or bad, at His feet.
- Seeking God's Peace:
Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
More often than not, it is so easy for us to let anxiety crush us to the very core of our beings. As human beings, we find ourselves struggling with this need to constantly be in control over everything, and with the uncertainty that life constantly throws our way, it is no wonder that we battle anxiety day in and day out.
Unfortunately, in such moments, it can be difficult to remember God’s commands. He tells and reminds us to be anxious about nothing. In His loving kindness He lets us know that those very things that worry us or keep us up at night, that He would love us to present all these things to Him and guess what?
In return He fills us with His peace that surpassess all human understanding.
There is power in prayer and God is inviting us to make use of prayer as a tool in alleviating anxiety.
- Embracing Hope and Renewal:
Isaiah 40:31 encourages us, "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
We tie a lot of mental health issues to hopelessness and helplessness. Feeling like there is no way out and things will not change for the better. Well, dear friends, the truth of the matter is that there is a promise of renewal and endurance that speaks to God's sustaining grace, even in the face of mental challenges.
Putting hope and confidence in ourselves in our own abilities is rarely ever as sustaining as it is to put our trust in God. Psalms 1:3 goes ahead to remind us that those who delight in the Lord are “like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.”
Cling on to the hope and renewal that is found in Christ Jesus; the true living water.
- Community and Support:
Galatians 6:2 reminds us to "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ."
How many times have we been encouraged to find someone to talk to when facing difficulties? The difference a phone call with a friend can make when life gets tough and all seems lost. While yes the Bible teaches us to take our burdens to Jesus for He cares for us, the Word of God also encourages us to bear one another’s burdens.
This is not to say that speaking to Jesus is not enough, it simply means that our heavenly father can use those around us, those in our community to speak life and hope in whatever situation we may be going through.
No man is an island and through kindness, love and support; truly showing up for our friends in need, can we be able to share in their burdens and make their lives worth living, through the power of Christ working within us.
Conclusion:
The Bible offers a compassionate lens through which to view mental health. It provides solace for the weary, strength for the weak, and hope for the despairing. By embracing the wisdom within its pages, we find not only spiritual guidance but also a deep understanding of our mental and emotional well-being.
As we delve into the Scriptures, let's approach them with open hearts, ready to receive the comfort and healing they offer. Together, let's nurture our mental health, drawing strength from the timeless truths found in God's Word.