Mental Health and the Christian Faith
In the Fountain youth group, we just wrapped up a series on mental health. We discussed how mental health issues can affect us all and how our faith in God and being part of the church should help with these things. As you're probably aware, increasing numbers of young people today are struggling with their mental health which can affect their emotions, behavior, self-worth, and outlook on life. This can cause anxiety, depression, hopelessness, lack of empathy and more. Sadly, it's not just young people that are affected. In recent years, there's been a rise in mental health issues across all ages.
There are a lot of things that can affect our mental and emotional well-being including life experiences, biological factors, and family history. As believers, we’re not immune to the problems that affect our world. But God promises His help! Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” This reminds us that God is sensitive to all who suffer and seeks to lift them up. The Apostle Peter says, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you” (I Peter 5:7). The Lord wants to help shoulder our burdens.
Experiencing mental health problems can feel very isolating. We can feel that nobody understands. And it may be true that nobody knows exactly how another person is feeling – because it depends on one’s environment, relationships, temperament, past experiences, etc. – but I think there are others who can relate to much of what we experience. God designed us uniquely but He placed us to grow and flourish together. In Galatians 6:2, the Apostle Paul says, “bear one another’s burdens and thus fulfill the law of Christ.” We are to live in interdependence helping each other through our troubles. In 1 Corinthians 12, it says that if one part of the body suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad. God designed the church to function as one. That means reaching out to others for help with our struggles is an act of faith, not a failure of faith. Paul goes on to say in 2 Corinthians, that God is the source of all comfort and that "He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.” Part of the reason God comforts us in our distress is so that we can comfort others in theirs. In His wisdom, God placed us where we are. We are to be there for each other when mental health issues arise. Lean into the support system God has given you. Share with a friend, family member, or church leader the things that make you feel unstable. Relying on one another is by His design.
Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s workmanship. He has created us a new in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Here's the thing: God knows us perfectly and completely. He knows our strengths and our struggles. Yet He still declares we are His masterpiece! That means His purpose for our lives does not have to be derailed by our struggles. Let us come to Him and to one another in faith.
Pastor Darren
