Mental illness is currently the most common health crisis in the U.S., affecting people across all demographics. Yet, many struggle in silence, particularly within church communities, due to stigmas and shame associated with mental health challenges. It's essential that we ensure that this church remains a place where people can come in any condition. This is a place for anyone with any struggle to experience the grace of God in their life.
Stigmas exasperate mental health struggles so it’s important to consider some. Stigmas make it difficult for those suffering to get help and make it hard for their relatives and friends to really understand. They also make it hard for the church to care like it's called to do.
1. Misrepresenting Mental Illness
We often use psychological terms casually, saying things like "I'm so depressed" when we're just sad or “I’m so anxious” when I’m just in a hurry. This diminishes the reality that depression and anxiety are serious clinical conditions affecting brain chemistry and neurological systems.
2. Viewing Mental Illness as Only Modern
Mental health challenges have existed throughout human history, even appearing frequently in Scripture. Biblical figures like Jacob (PTSD), Gideon (anxiety), King Saul (bipolar), and Paul (depression) all demonstrated symptoms of various mental health conditions.
3. Not Taking a Holistic Approach
We are multidimensional beings - spirit, soul, and body. Mental health challenges affect all these dimensions and require a comprehensive approach that may include:
- Medical treatment
- Spiritual practices
- Physical self-care
- Professional counseling
Key Biblical Truths About Mental Health
God remains present even in our darkest moments. His grace manifests in three ways:
- Grace that fixes something in you
- Grace that fixes something around you
- Grace that carries you through
God works through both miracles and medicine. Taking medication for mental health is not a sign of weak faith. God can work through both supernatural healing and medical treatment - both are gifts from Him.
Your calling remains intact even if you are in a battle for mental health. Mental health challenges don't disqualify you from God's purpose for your life. His gifts and calling are irrevocable, regardless of your struggles.
We believe God is for you, not against you. His plans for you are good. I just declare over you today that you are not your symptoms, that you are not your struggles, that you are not your shame. But you are a child of the most high God, and greater is He that is in you than he that's in the world.
