Mental Awareness
In reality, May is mental health month, but Faith Temple, it's right now! Throughout the month of March, we want to empower the body by discussing a topic that affects many (although we never really talk about it in the church) - Mental Health. Many of us are raised to believe that if we are saved, we are not susceptible to mental instability. Furthermore, many of us also believe the toxic lie that if anxiety or depression flares, it must be because of our sinful nature. This couldn't be further from the truth... and if you or someone you know is fighting against anxiety, depression, panic, or a related matter, we're here for you!
Sometimes our brains click into overdrive. It's a survival instinct, but sometimes, when the brain falls into a pattern of preparing and processing and planning, it can tend to stomp the gas pedal and overly process simple matters, sometimes even bringing up "what ifs" to make sure a body is prepared for any situation. And this "overdrive" mentality is the basis for many cases of anxiety, depression, sleepless nights etc... While God CAN and WILL heal these diseases like any other, sometimes it's ok to relieve the pressure by seeking medical attention. It is no different than a married couple seeking the counseling of a pastor through a rough patch. The pastor/counselor will first assure the couple that God will intervene in their marriage, then he will begin laying out steps the couple can take to begin making improvements in themselves. Mental health works much the same way. God will deliver you, but use Godly wisdom to know when to seek the advice of a professional.
In fact, I think it's biblically sound that we lift each other up in prayer when it comes to our mental health. Even God's word advises that we can't do this alone! Ecclesiastes 4:10-12 says this, "For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
Talk to your pastor, talk to your brothers and sisters in Christ, talk to a professional. Mental health is real, and the church is not immune. Seek help and get on a path to recovery.
Bible Scripture: Romans 8:18 KJV - For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Faith Application: Commit to praying every day this week and fasting one day a week. Pray when you want. Remember, you may not pray an hour a day but don't let an hour go by without communicating with God. On your fast day, fast whatever you feel, but let it be a sacrifice; let it be from the heart. Fast something that has become an idol in your life and takes up your time and your energy in place of moments with God. This week while you fast, pray that God takes control over the hearts and minds of our church body, empowering us to move beyond our own inadequacies.
Prayer Focus: Dear Lord, this week I pray that you lay your hedge of protection around our hearts and minds. You have not given us a spirit of fear but of peace and of love and of a sound mind. If anyone in our church suffers from mental health issues, give them the courage to speak up and seek help, from You first, and then from the necessary professionals that you put in their path. Lord, help us to have open and honest conversations about this as families and friends. You put us in each other's lives to build one another up. We're on this journey together. Bring peace to each family and direction to those in need.
Family Activity: We want to provide several tools to make people more aware of (and more able to fight against) mental health issues. Take some time to explore these guides and spark conversations with your family if necessary. Also, take some time to watch the video below. Mental Health doesn't need to be a dirty word in the church... let's take charge! Start reading this article and then click the links below for more information.