THE BIBLE AND MENTAL HEALTH
Is mental illness a 20th-century phenomenon? I don't remember ever hearing about depression and mental illness as I was growing up. Is it something we made up? Is it one of those woke things that have been birthed? Well, there's a possibility that these things existed before but were given different names depending on how they were perceived. It is safe to say that depression and anxiety are the most common types of mental disorders we witness today.
I am reminded of a conversation I was having with my friends. One of my friends happens to be a teacher and I remember her recounting how panic attacks are prevalent among kids these days. So that we are on the same page, let us define what exactly that is. A panic attack is a brief episode of intense anxiety, which causes the physical sensations of fear. These can include a racing heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, trembling, and muscle tension.
Well whether panic attacks, anxiety, or depression, from a biblical standpoint, all the negativity we experience today is a result of the fallen nature of man. The fall of mankind has had physical ramifications for the body and spiritual effects on the soul. We are not without hope though because Jesus our Savior died so that we may have life in abundance. The Bible also tells us that our God is big enough to overcome whatever we are facing. It may not be easy, but He will be with us. Whether it's a 12-year-old child or 72--year-old adult, God is our strength in every situation. As Eva Marie Everson writes, “We must pray for the courage to look deep in our own heart and soul—pray for the strength to begin a journey that quite possibly may change our own life—and pray for the wisdom to make new choices in our own life.”
The Bible is not also devoid of verses to encourage us in times of distress. Here are some ;
1. Philippians 4:6-7
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
2. 1 Peter 5:7
casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.
3. John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.
4. Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
5. 2 Timothy 1;7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity but of power, love, and self-discipline.
6. 2 Corinthians 10;5
We use our powerful God tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion, and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ.
7. Isaiah 41;10
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
8. Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, 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.”
9. Romans 12:1-2
Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
10. Romans 8:28
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
“When it feels like you’re empty and hurting alone know God is present in this space with you. And as you draw near to Him, He will draw near to you. He sees what no one sees, He hears what isn’t said but is cried out by the heart and He will restore you.”
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