The Bible And Emotional Problems: Introduction Series

3) The Bible gives some guidelines on attaining and retaining good mental health. For example, The Lord is the One who renews the mind (Romans 12:2). "The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple" (Psalm 19:7). We have a description of the healthy thought life in Philippians 4:8 that says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." We have Jesus' example of taking breaks from the busyness of life to focus on spiritual matters (Luke 5:16), and He called His disciples to do the same (Mark 6:31). We have Paul's acknowledgment that physical exercise is profitable (1 Timothy 4:8). Self-care, both physical and spiritual, is a necessity.

4) The Bible shows that God cares for those who suffer. He is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:17-20 - When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.). He invites those who labor and are heavily laden to come to Him: Matthew 11:28-30 – "Come to me, all who labor and are heavily laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

He restores the soul (Psalm 23:3). We have a personal Savior who experiences emotions. As you suffer the effects of mental illness, you can remember the nearness of Christ. He weeps with you as he wept with Lazarus's family (John 11:35). He knew the resurrecting work he was about to do, but he sobbed with anger anyway. Likewise, he knows how he will work in and through your life, and he is with you in the midst of it. The Bible promises that God will help us in trouble: Psalm 34:19 - Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all." He gives us peace: John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. Psalm 147:3 - He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

5) The Bible promises that God works all things together for the good of His children (Romans 8:28). The testing of faith produces endurance and maturity (James 1:2–4). Mental health struggles, while they are challenging, are not pointless. The Bible clearly shows how God can and does use them for His glory.

Conclusion:

God wants us to have a healthy life, physically, spiritually, and mentally. But because we still live in this fallen world, we can still suffer physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Thank God he cares for us. He sees us when we suffer. He understands our pain and struggles, and He shows us how to deal with them. He stretches out His hand to support and heal us, whether through medicine, counselors, applying biblical principles, or his miraculous works. Psalm 30:11 - You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; you have loosed my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness,