You might want to click on link to read part-1 of this article. Biblical Picture on Mental Health (1) – Feast of light
Other examples of mental health problems in the bible
Since the fall of Adam & Eve, man have struggled with mental illness. The Bible is full of examples of those who exhibited symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other types of mental illness. Besides those mentioned above, others include:
King David: The man after God’s own heart dealt with various types of attacks on his mental health through the course of his life. As the youngest son in his family he painfully endured being treated as the least of his father’s sons, was in his adult life threatened by his own father-in-law, King Saul to whom he’d been loyal, and then in the later stages of his life was betrayed by his 3rd son (Absalom) who wanted to overthrow him as King. David recorded many songs of lament that reflect his pain and depression. Consider Psalm 6:6-7 (ERV), “Lord, I am so weak. I cried to you all night. My pillow is soaked; my bed is dripping wet from my tears. My enemies have caused me such sorrow that my eyes are worn out from crying.”
David suffered attacks on his mental health as a young boy, as an adult and in the later stages of his life. God by His word before psychiatry evolved into what we know today in medical world had already shown that mental health can affect the young, adults and the elderly.
Prophet Elijah: Evil Queen Jezebel swore to kill Elijah for having killed the prophets of Baal. Fearful, Elijah fled and cried out to God, “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.” (1 Kings 19:4 NKJV). Elijah remained in this agitated condition for 40 days and nights— He was depressed and also unable to meet his basic personal needs if not for God’s intervention (God sent an angel twice to bring meals to him so that he would be physically strengthened).
Martha: She was exhausted by the demands of entertaining the guest when Jesus came to visiting them, Martha then grew angry toward her sister who perched at the feet of Christ instead of helping to prepare a meal for the guests. Frustrated, Martha finally approached Jesus. “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to come and help me.” The Lord answered her: “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and upset about many things, when only one thing is necessary” (Luke 10:40-42 NCB). Martha like many modern believers today suffer mentally from the concerns of exhaustion, anger issues, anxiety, frustration and so on.
How should the church help with those with mental health problems
- One of the biggest misconceptions in the church with respect to managing mental health issues is that because you are saved and are filled with the Holy Spirit as evidenced for example by speaking in tongues should somehow make believers immune to the painful events that occur in life. As believers we should never belittle or ignore those who have mental health issues.
- Secondly the notion that all we need to do is only pray and the impairment in your mental well-being will go away is not adequately managing mental health illness in the church on a holistic level
Prayer is a very important aspect of mental health recovery, but prayer shouldn’t be viewed as the only answer we give for every problem when it comes to mental health. God may indeed choose divine healing in response to our prayers, yet in His sovereignty He also may heal through a medication or a talking-therapy process. For example if I should get a headache which is very rare by God’s grace. Just because I take paracetamol does not reduce my stand in God, because in my heart even without thinking it, I am certain by the time I take the paracetamol, God will use it to heal me. Your Pastor has prayed for you, he has given you the word of God to confess but you still feel very low, there is nothing unbiblical about going to see your GP for further help, because many times, God will add His divine power to those medicines you take or through the talking therapy you attend, to make sure you are healed much quicker than the health professionals imagined.
- Thirdly, there is God’s grace for deliverance from mental health illness
It is important to pray more, study God’s word more and fast more, after all Jesus says that certain kinds of problems will not go except by prayer and fasting. And while prayer, God’s word and fasting are keys to getting our healing from mental health issues but there is another dimension of God where He loves us so much that despite our wickedness, He even adopts us to become His children through Christ Jesus. That dimension is His Grace, where He reaches us to bless us and heal us even when we don’t deserve it. There is unconditional grace of God available to heal you from all forms of mental health challenges that does not depend solely on your own work of righteousness but on the sovereignty of God.
Hebrews 2: 14-15; 14 Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. (NKJV)
Jesus through His death released grace into this world for the redemption of man-kind but that same grace is available to deliver you and I from the fear of death (vs15a).
Let us focus on the word “fear”. Fear can be a symptom of some mental health conditions, including panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, phobias, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Psychologists categorize fear as one of two types: conditioned and innate. Common disorders associated with fear include phobias, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, healthy anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and PTSD. Fear can trigger a wide range of mental health issues including anxiety, depression, phobias, heart damage, and lack of confidence.
But the amazing fact is this, God’s grace has been released to us through the death & resurrection of Jesus Christ. And from Hebrews 2:15, we know that the grace of God has the power to release us from all forms of fear. It is not just limited to the fear of death. It includes just to mention a few,
His grace is able to and has released you from the fear of tomorrow
His grace is able to and has released you from the fear of sickness
His grace is able to and has released you from the fear of not being accepted.
I don’t know what kind of fears you have that may be affecting your mental and emotional well-being but I want you to release your faith on Jesus Christ and trust His grace to supernaturally release you from those fears in Jesus Name
Other things that the local church should consider in helping our members with mental health challenges
- The Value of Every Individual: The Bible teaches that every person is created in the image of God and has inherent worth (Genesis 1:27). This principle underscores the importance of treating our members with respect, compassion, and care, especially when they are facing mental health challenges.
- Seeking Help and Support: The Bible encourages seeking help and support from others. Galatians 6:2 advises bearing one another’s burdens, which can include emotional and mental struggles. It’s not a sign of weakness to seek assistance but a recognition of our need for community and support.
- Prayer: Believers should turn to God in prayer for strength and help during difficult times, including those related to mental health. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages turning to God in prayer for peace and comfort.
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (NLT)
- Mind renewal through the word of God: Romans 12:2 speaks of renewing one’s mind, which can be interpreted as a call to change negative thought patterns and develop a healthier mindset.
2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (NLT)
We can change our belief system by daily meditation on God’s word. The word of God has the capacity to convert and transform our thinking system in our soul (Psalm 19:7a) to that which is in Christ Jesus (Philippians 2:5). Through daily and regular meditation on God’s word we can attain the superior mental construct that is in Jesus Christ our Lord
- The church should be a place where we also care for the vulnerable: The Bible emphasizes caring for the vulnerable and marginalized, including those who may be dealing with mental health challenges. This is reflected in passages like Matthew 25:35-36.
35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.
- We should be able to direct members to professional care if needed: Jesus Christ our Saviour in Mark 2:17 even indicated that it is the sick that needs to be referred to a doctor (which broadly includes professionals that are health care providers)
17a; When Jesus heard this, he said to them, “It is the sick people who need a doctor, not those who are healthy. (ERV)
While the Bible provides spiritual and moral guidance, it does not replace professional mental health care. Seeking the assistance of mental health professionals is not incompatible with one’s faith and can be a crucial part in the plans of God to perfect the healing process.
- Let’s be a church community that offers support: Being part of a supportive and loving community can have a positive impact on mental health. The Bible emphasizes the importance of fellowship, love, and support among believers in Acts 2:42-47
42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.
The church must understand that genuine fellowship and supporting each other has massive physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. For example, it allows us to show love and service to others, to share our victories and setbacks openly (allowing for psychological safety), and to establish deep & strong bonds with other believers (who may be secretly hurting from some degree of mental impairment). This kind of sincere and selfless Holy-Ghost motivated community support to each other as members of the global body of Christ Jesus, will in due course promote and facilitate complete healing and recovery from both physical and mental illness. God bless you
Altar call: For anyone reading this article who is not saved and wants to be part of the family of God or you want to re-dedicate your life back to Jesus, please repeat this out loud. “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I have sinned against you. Lord Jesus forgive me of my sins. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus come into my life and be my Lord now and forever in Jesus Name“
Prayer: Father in your mercy, heal me of any hurt or pain that has caused me to be depressed or anxious in the name of Jesus. Lord Jesus, let your peace fill my mind and heart in Jesus Name.
Feast of Light Word Ministry
