Every one of us probably knows someone that struggles with mental illness or chronic depression. Sixty million Americans, that’s one in five adults, will experience a mental illness in the coming year. That means as a pastoral community of faith, every one of us knows someone who is living with a mental illness or a substance issue that directly correlates.
The Bible offers hope and help for people that struggle and provides insight on how we are to best mange these challenges when confronted. Here are a few passages that may bring comfort to those who are seeking spiritual and emotional healing.
Philippians 4:6-7 says; “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
The Bible tells us in 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.”
In Matthew 4:24; “So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, epileptics, and paralytics, and he healed them.”
The Bible has inspired believers and churches to care for people, for their health and well-being: spiritually, physically, emotionally, and mentally. From the Gospels, we know that Jesus cared for and ministered to mentally ill people during his ministry on earth. As Christ followers, we are compelled to continue His work today. In Christ’s name, the Church extends compassion, acceptance, and unconditional love to all who suffer from the pain of mental illness, and as his Body, we offer hope and the healing power of God’s grace.