What does God’s Word say about mental health? Whether you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, God’s Word offers us many insights and encouragement to help us find hope.
Philippians 4:6-7 says, “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.”
In Philippians, we are reminded that whenever we feel anxious, we can turn to Jesus in prayer. Prayer should always be our first response! Jesus promises that his Holy Spirit will be our comforter. However, prayer is not the only solution for those struggling with mental health. In fact, it can be harmful to tell someone who is struggling to simply “pray harder” or “have more faith.”
In addition to prayer, there are many options to help individuals who are struggling with mental health. Many find it to be very beneficial to seek treatment or activities to aid in their healing process. Healthy treatment options may include therapy, counseling, or medication. Activities that can influence positive change in mental health include reading the Bible, joining a small group, serving others, and exercising. Alternatively, it is vital to guard yourself against unhealthy self-medication through things like alcohol, drugs, or pornography.
In seeking treatment for mental health, we must be on guard against the worst culprit of our mental battles: ourselves.
Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
What we think about on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis will affect us in positive or negative ways. God lays out the litmus test on what we are to think about. If it doesn’t pass through that filter, it’s time to kick it out of your mind! But sometimes, it’s not that easy.
That’s why in 2 Corinthians 10:5 we are told, “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
We must take our thoughts captive! This looks like evaluating the thoughts in our minds and discerning if they are TRUTH from God’s Word or LIES from the enemy. If the thought lines up with God’s Word and what He says about you, you can keep that thought. If it doesn’t line up with God’s Word, it is a lie, and you need to replace it with the Word of Truth.
No matter the case, there is always hope for those in Christ, and healing can come in many forms. Some people may be healed in an instant, while others may see healing through counseling or medication, and others may find a life-giving community of believers that can encourage them and walk alongside their struggles. Maybe it’s a little bit of everything!
No matter where you are or whatever you’re facing, we care about you and are here to walk alongside you. Each week, River Valley pastors and staff pray for your requests and needs. You can click here to request prayer and/or care from our pastoral staff.
We would love to pray for you! If you are currently in a crisis regarding suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Center immediately at 1-800-273-8255. They have trained professionals that want to talk with you and offer support.
