In recent years, mental illnesses have been on the rise. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, 26% of American adults suffer from mental illness in the United States alone. This translates to one in four American adults who have suffered from some type of mental illness throughout their lifetime. Looking at these percentages, we see that Christians need to recognize mental illness. Mental illness can affect anyone, regardless of religion, socioeconomic status, gender, age, or ethnicity.
Everyone can struggle with mental health issues, and sadly, many individuals are not diagnosed within the Christian community. Because of the assumption that mental health issues are rooted in “sin,” many Christians refrain from saying they are suffering. If this is true to you, know that there is no problem fighting mental illness. It’s not a Christian thing, or you’re too human.
It is beneficial to ask for help rather than allow the taboo nature of mental illness to stay within your mind. Doctors, therapists and experts can help you in your struggle. Through medication management and treatment sessions, you can alleviate much of your struggle. With time, effort and effort, you will be able to acquire the right tools when your mental health begins to suffer.
Personally, I struggle with clinical depression, systemic anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and eating disorders. I have been called many average names by Christians and treated poorly for my mental health and hardships, but I know that God doesn’t think of me much. These diagnoses do not define who I am, God defines me.
Through the four questions listed below, you will know that God is also the one who defines you. We don’t need to allow mental health diagnosis to distance us from the life God has called us. It is true that one day is more difficult than the other, but God is with us through all the hills and valleys. We need to choose to trust him rather than doubt him.
1. Where is God when I’m struggling?
If you are recently diagnosed with a mental illness, it is reasonable to be upset or confused. As mentioned before, don’t allow yourself to change your views. It doesn’t change who you are. You are still you – the beloved child of God (1 John 3:2). We shouldn’t either because God doesn’t see us differently after we’ve been diagnosed with mental health issues.
As you are thinking of your diagnosis, you may wonder where God is when you are struggling. It is very common for us to feel as if God is far away or far away from us when we are suffering from mental illness. This is what we feel, but it’s not true. God is always right next to us. Even on the most painful days.
The Lord said to us, “I have said to you these things, and in me you may have peace; in this world you will have problems; but I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). As Jesus says to us in this passage, in Him we can have peace. We face many problems in this world, but as he overcomes the world, we can seize our hearts and be brave.
Our mental health struggles can make us feel like we are alone, but we are by no means alone. God is always with us, and He is present in our pain (Psalm 23, 56:8). I personally have had matches where I feel far from God when I’m struggling with mental health. But he is never far from me. I feel far away as I’ve left him. This probably applies to you too.
God has gone anywhere. He’s still right next to you. He feels absent because we are pushing him away. God is right next to you, and He will never leave you (Hebrews 13:5-6).
Prayer: “Dear Jesus, I feel far from me when I’m struggling. Help me feel surrounded by your presence and love. You will always be with me.
2. If God can heal me, why wouldn’t he?
Whether God can heal our mental illness is a common question. Yes, of course, God can heal our mental illness, but this is not the way he works in today’s world. There is nothing impossible for him, so he can heal our mental illness. But sometimes we can learn more about him and deepen our relationship with him on the darkest days of our troubles.
God is focused on our growth rather than our comfort. God will not suffer from mental illness on us, but he can resolve everything for his goodness (Romans 8:28). One of these is mental illness. Again, as someone who has suffered from multiple mental illnesses for most of my life, I really hope that I will be healed by them. But we live in a fallen world and we know that nowhere in the Bible is that God does not promise to heal us from these struggles while we are on earth.
Our current life is full of difficulties, but also beautiful. Mental illness is not about God himself or by God’s choice. We need not associate him with evil, as he has no shadow (Ps. sal 92:15). God is the exact opposite of evil and evil. His whole is made up of love (1 John 4:7-12).
God usually does not heal us from our mental health struggles, but He is with us through all of them. We can pray, seek his help, and trust him with the outcome. God does not want any of us to fight mental illness, and he helps us with our deep sorrow, anxiety and fear. Just because God does not heal us from our mental illness does not mean that he cannot provide salvation to us from our symptoms.
Prayer: “Dear God, thank you for teaching me this truth. You are my good and good father and I know that you only want the best thing for me. You could not get me this mental illness.
3. Will my mental illness go away?
Our mental illness disappears when we are with Christ. Some mental illnesses, such as eating disorders, can be completely cured, but this can still be a challenge. For other mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, and OCD, it can be a lifelong struggle. This isn’t the most positive news, but it can be comforting to know that there is no mental health struggle forever. There will be days in the future when we don’t have to struggle with mental health issues again.
This day will come when we are with Jesus. We pass from death to life and enter paradise. It will be a beautiful event so there is no need to be afraid of this day. Finally, we can meet and embrace Jesus face to face. No longer need to worry about death, crying or illness. This includes mental illness.
Freedom from our mental health struggles will come. Instead of reflecting on regret, we can reflect on our joy, knowing that despite our struggles, we chose to serve, obey, and love Jesus. If we are honest, sometimes these struggles bring us to Jesus’ feet.
Prayer: “Dear Jesus, my mental illness may endure my whole life, but I still trust you. I will use me to give you your will, share the gospel, spread your love in my actions. Freedom will come one day.
4. Can I live a normal life despite suffering from mental illness?
As someone who struggles with a variety of mental illnesses, I can share the truth that despite the struggles you face, it is still possible to live a normal life. Everyday work may be a little more difficult for us, but that doesn’t mean that we can never live a life that is primarily enjoyable. There are more challenges, but if you overcome these challenges, you will see even more of the power of God.
If you are diagnosed with a mental disorder, know that it is not the end of the world. You can still live a wonderful life. However, it is important to seek the help of a therapist and doctor. The shame you have along with asking for help needs to be eradicated. God wants you to get the help you need in the form of a therapist and a doctor. They will help you in your struggle and will bring you back to a better quality of life.
“Dear Jesus, thank you for showing me that despite my struggles I can still live a normal life. All my mental health struggles can make me feel like my life is over. Help me to accept my struggle as a way to see you more clearly in your name.
Final Thoughts
Yes, God can cure mental illness, but we also live in the fallen world. Bad things happen in this world, but they never do with what God does. Rather than allowing this to be sunk into despair, we need to rest on the promise that God will be with us in our pain.
Before we know it, we will live with the Lord in paradise. Freed from mental illness and all other struggles, we are totally, fully seen, fully known, completely fine. We all praise God for our future in His hands, and for the joy, smiles and freedom that awaits us on the other side.
Prayer: “Dear God, help me while I continue on this journey. My mental health toggle can sometimes doubt you, but my heart always helps me return to you.
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Vivian Bricker received his Bachelor of Mission and a Master of Arts with a focus on theology. She loves theology, mission work, and everything that helps others learn about Jesus. Find out more about her content on Cultivate: https://cultivatechristianity.wordpress.com/.
