Emotional – Mental Encouragement

In the last number of years there has been an increasing awareness of how mental health plays a part in our Christian lives. Care must be taken to keep the balance of the power of God to heal, and the need for other methods of help. As we seek the Lord in this matter with the heart and love of Jesus, direction will come, and people will be set free. I am not an authority on this topic, but it is one that is close to my heart.

John 10:10 KJV The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Perhaps all of us have areas of brokenness that could use healing. The things we go through in life affect our emotional and mental wellbeing. When traumatizing things happen to us, it can leave us with an altered perception of reality about ourselves. This state of our mind may be so convincing to us, that we may not be able to see it differently in spite of what others may tell us. We may perceive ourselves as unlovable, not worthy of love, dirty, a cast away, “The world would be a better place without me. Everyone is thinking that I am a lost cause anyway. I must be a terrible sinner. God doesn’t care about me.” as well as thoughts of: out of control, going crazy, self-loathing, destructive thoughts, anger, hopelessness, and darkness. These thoughts can parade, around and around in our minds like a never-ending ring around a rosy.

Childhood trauma, neglect, and abuse are common contributors to negative, unhealthy thinking patterns and mental illnesses. Low self-esteem, poor health, and relationship problems may also have their roots there. That being said, not every suffering individual has a traumatic history. Neither does everyone suffer emotionally from bad things happening to them. Our past does not need to define our future, who we are, or our purpose. With proper care and treatment, we should be able to heal from it and move on with a purposeful life. In many cases it will take frank honesty with painful things that have happened in our lives, coupled with a firm resolve to make a change. We will need to persist in thinking positive, uplifting thoughts, instead of dwelling in the negative backwater of despair. Healing is not for the faint of heart, nor for one that wallows in self-pity. To heal, likely will mean learning to love ourselves as God intended, while avoiding a pity-me attitude.

For a Christian struggling with their mental and emotional health, spiritual life can become like a snarled, hopeless, tangle. God may seem far away, and unreachable. In trying to sort it out, it may seem more and more bewildering and frustrating. For some, it may be helpful to first look after the emotional well-being before the spiritual. With a tired mind, our connection with God may seem lost until we have some emotional healing. Because we feel our connection with God and those around us through our feelings, it may seem like we are banished to an island of hopelessness. Our weary mind has become numb to any emotion, except pain and loss, yet unable to find answers or relief. It can feel like the relentless waves of the sea, continuing to wash over us, without giving us time to catch our breath; while we are slowly, slowly, drowning in the sea of despair.

At this point, we as care givers will need to proceed carefully, without trying to find quick solutions. Very likely the individual has so much self-blame going on inside that we do not need to add to it by trying to point out areas where they have done wrong. It may do very little good as their mind is already overwhelmed with their world. Trying to find solutions at this point may hinder your ability to help. Comparing their situation with others, will likely not help them feel better either. For many they just need a listening ear. The best thing is to help them begin to think positively about themselves and to love and care for them unconditionally. They may need your listening to their stories repeatedly. Trust has often been broken, so it may take consistency and time. Weep along with them as they share about their broken lives. Let them share even if you sense it is a little out of proportion. The way they tell it is the way they feel it. As they begin to grow and heal, their proper feelings and perception will return. Keep a positive outlook, assure them they are not crazy, and of course that they do not hurt themselves. Show them your love and assure them of God’s personal love for them. Let them know that you are there for them day or night under any circumstances and you will not censor them. Confidentiality is also very important. You’re not pressuring them but you are there for them when they need you.

Inability to trust in God which goes beyond the normal lack of faith, could signal a deeper reason than what meets the eye. With a little gentle care, you may help them restore their trust. For many who have suffered abuse, they feel, shame, guilt, broken, dirty, and worthless inside and may not be able to sort it all out. This may take time and some professional help to bring them to the point of healing.

When our minds get tired, a groove of thinking forms. This misconstrues our self-perception and of those around us, which in turn may cause us to misread the intentions and actions of others. We look at the world like it is out to get us. This is a very normal reaction to this state of mind. It will take work on our part, possibly a councilor, and medication, or both. But healing is possible. One way to start is to counter the untruth with truth. To begin with, “God makes no mistakes, and He did not make one when He allowed me to be born.”

Positive thought replacement.

“I am unlovable.” – “I am inexplicably loved of God. I am not a mistake.”

“I am worthless.” – “God placed me on earth because He knew it needed someone just like me.”

“I am dirt and trash.” – “God did not create trash or junk in any of His creation, therefore, I cannot cast myself away. I am not trash.”

“I am so dumb, seems like I can never learn.” – “I am human, and no one is perfect.”

“Today was a terrible day.” – “Tomorrow is a new day, a clean slate. I will try again, and with God’s help it will be better.”

“If they only knew the truth about me.” – “God made no mistake when He created me. His love transcends anything anyone can or will think about me. “

“I have no purpose on earth.” – “God created me because He loved me, and the earth needed someone just like me. I am part if His creation, and I am beautiful in His eyes.”

“I am going crazy.” – “Fear is a normal emotion and will not hurt me. I am not going crazy, it’s just my mind telling me I am. I will take a walk, call a friend, read a book, anything to break this feeling!”

“No one cares.” – “People may not understand, but I will believe that God cares and knows what I am going through. They may seem they don’t care because they don’t understand. This is not really their fault. I’m thankful they have not had to experience my situation.”

“Those people have no idea how it feels.” – “They have no idea how it feels, but I will be still in my heart, knowing that God knows.”

“I am so angry.” – “My anger is a normal reaction to what I am feeling. I will wait until I cool off before I do anything.”

“I am so ashamed; I should go and hide.” – “Shame is a negative emotion from what has happened to me. I will not let it take control. I have nothing to be ashamed of. I will believe God’s promises.”

“This torment will never end!” – “I will not lose hope or faith. Recovery has setbacks and healing takes time.”

“Why doesn’t God heal me?” – “God has me on this journey for His purpose. I will trust Him even though I don’t understand.”

Things for meditation.

 

• Emotional and mental stress are not shameful. Our minds get tired and sick just like our physical bodies do.
• Shame is often an underlying feeling, that eats away inside like a hidden cancer. It will be helpful to identify it and the source. To be ashamed from time to time is normal, however shame is generally harmful feelings which affect the way we view ourselves.
• No one has had the same journey you have been on. Another person may not have handled it as well as you have.
• Many famous people have struggled with depression and mental illness. Abraham Lincoln, Ludwig van Beethoven, Leo Tolstoy, Isaac Newton, Earnest Hemmingway, Michelangelo, Winston Churchill, Charles Dickens, and many more.
• People who struggle with their minds are often soft-hearted people.
• Try imagining your friend having the problems you do, give them advice, then apply that advice to your own life.
• Be honest with your self and about who and what has hurt you. When you admit you are hurt, you can then heal and forgive. Denial, or assuming the responsibility for another one’s actions against you, will hinder, and circumvent the healing process. This places the responsibility where it belongs, afterwards allowing you to let go and forgive.
• Forgiveness sets us free, even without acknowledgement from the one who hurt you.
• Revenge will not free the mind, it only causes more guilt and prolonged misery. We leave that up to God. Romans 12:19 KJV Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
• Jesus cast out evil spirits during His ministry on earth. Likely some of those were people suffering from mental illness.

Apostle Paul must have understood the way our minds work. Take note what he wrote about it.

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.  (Philippians 4:6-8)

Disclaimer

The topic of mental health is a broad field. What I have written may not all be correct and is not intended to treat or understand all mental and emotional challenges, nor address spiritual needs. There are many factors that weigh in which would be impossible to address here. This writing, at its best, is incomplete. Healing for one may be completely different for another. Some have chemical imbalances which need medication to live, while others may need medication to cope with their anxiety attacks. The intent of this article is to hold out some hope for those who suffer, that they are not alone. There is a great and loving God who cares and suffers alongside His children. From my personal experience I know this to be true. If in doubt open your Bible, and seek it out for yourself. You are truly loved by God. We are fearfully and wonderfully made.

 

Psalms 139:14 KJV I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.