Have you ever considered whether God can be a part of our mental health journey? Have you ever questioned whether God is concerned about your mental health? There's a scripture that I always use before I start my mental health presentations. 3 John 2 says, "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth".

Above all things; your physical health, your financial status, or your academic status. Whatever it is, God says above all of those, I wish that you prosper. But, is it only prosperity that God intends for us? Do you know that there are individuals who are prosperous but sick? Do you realize you can die with millions in the bank? God is saying, this isn't just about your prosperity; it's about your health as well as your soul's well-being. So, if you've ever wondered if God is concerned about your mental health, this scripture gives you the first answer. . .yes!

God demonstrates through this scripture that we are much more than physical and mental beings, we are spiritual beings. By reconnecting with God, the true source of healing, many of our ailments can be healed. In truth, the holy scriptures hold the secret to addressing our mental health challenges. It's true, the Bible lacks modern diagnosis terms like Anxiety Disorder, Insomnia, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It does, however, include instructions that apply to every situation in life. Have you been anxious or depressed lately? Are you struggling to come to terms with your abandonment? Do you find yourself suffering from the effects of stress?

There are passages that can aid you. Let's take a look at some of these scriptures and how they might help us on our mental health journey.

SCRIPTURES FOR YOUR MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES

Anxiety

1. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6 (NKJV).

2. Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV).

3. Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 (NKJV).

Did you hear? You don't have to be anxious, and even if you are, prayers and supplications to God with thanksgiving can be helpful in tuning out the negativity to focus our attention on the One who can see us through our trials. One of the best ways to focus on God is by giving thanks. Giving thanks reminds us to focus on the positive aspect of our situation. In other words, control what you can control and give everything else to God in prayer.

The second scripture is my personal favorite. This passage serves as a reminder that 1) God is with you, 2) He is your God, and 3) He will strengthen, help, and uphold you with His hand. It is for this reason that we can cast our cares of this world on God. He is concerned with every part of our existence, from the most important to the minor. In his perspective, nothing is insignificant.

Depression

1. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8 (NKJV).

2. The Lord is near the brokenhearted; he saves those crushed in spirit. Psalms 34:18 (CSB).

3. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps. Psalms 40:2 (NKJV).

Negative thoughts, along with symptoms of exhaustion, loss of enjoyment in previously enjoyed activities, and never-ending gloominess, can be a constant battle. Philippians 4:8 is a practical way to use therapy techniques. It teaches us a fantastic refocusing practice of changing our thoughts from always focused on negativity to thoughts that are more uplifting and encouraging.

Like you, I've been crushed in spirit. It's a natural reaction to life's experiences. So when you come across a scripture that speaks to you, you know the author understands your struggles. Do you have days when you find yourself stuck in bed? It feels like you're stuck in a pit, doesn't it? Psalms 40:2 reminds us of God's ability to lift us out of the pit of despair.

Abandonment

1. Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord cares for me. Psalms 27:10 (CSB).

2. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 (NKJV).

3. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Psalms 23:1 (NKJV).

Abandonment is one of the most heartbreaking experiences. Many passages speak about how God feels about us, his children, and his vows to never abandon us like the people in our lives have. God asserts repeatedly that He is our God and that we are His. Paul the Apostle, felt so loved by God that he knew nothing in heaven or on earth could ever separate him from it. David, even went so far as to declare that if his mother and father abandon him, God will provide for him, and he regarded God as a shepherd who always provided for his children. Both men remind us how to trust in God's love.

Stress

1. You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV).

2. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (NKJV).

3. My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and lacking nothing. James 1:2-4 (NKJV).

We must all deal with stress till the day we die. The key is how we respond to it. These Bible verses are excellent reminders that when we focus our thoughts on God, we will be at peace. Lay your bills, divorce, job loss, or whatever has been troubling you at Jesus' feet, for my God can satisfy all your needs according to whose riches? His. And you know that our God has cattle on a thousand hills, right? Which means he has a thousand possibilities to provide for you.

God understands that our response to stress is crucial in helping us manage stress healthily, thus James 1:2-4 shows us how to respond to our pressures. We can view our challenges as something that might strengthen us rather than break us down, knowing that this testing builds character that pleases God. We are gold refined by fire. When God is finished with us, the overall result will be magnificent.

If you ask God to guide you, you will be able to find many more scriptures. Therefore, the most important takeaway is to invite God to join you on your mental health journey. The Bible is a proven helpful tool in dealing with our mental health issues. Above all, sharing your mental health journey with God gives you access to the God who formed your mind and is the best therapist you'll ever have.

QUESTION

Do you believe the Bible contains mental health wisdom?