My mental struggle

Christians aren’t immune to struggles with mental health. It’s a fact. We might recognise we have hope, love and assurance that transcends any anxious thought. But we can’t escape the fact that we are mortal, imperfect, and the pressures of this world can consume us.

Even Godly people in the Bible struggled with their mental health. Consider the following statements:

“How long must I have sorrow in my heart?” (Psalm 13:2)

“My tears have been my food day and night.” (Psalm 42:3)

“I am a man who has no strength” (Psalm 88:4)

Does it surprise you that these are the very thoughts and writings of faithful God followers?

The reality is that knowing and following Jesus does not safeguard you from mental health struggles. David, in the Old Testament, very clearly struggled with depressive and anxious thoughts – his psalms are filled with them. He was thrown into the limelight at a young age, His king/father-in-law attempted to murder him – that would probably come up in counselling – and his personal failings were made very public.

Despite all these things David had God’s favour and was still chosen to do His work. God himself called David ‘a man after my own heart’ (1 Samuel 13:14). David’s struggles with his mental health did not disqualify him, and neither do yours.

God doesn’t see you as ‘less than’ because of your struggles. You are in no way disqualified from sharing Jesus because of your mental health. The path to moving forward might be to see yourself from God’s perspective – and this could be your biggest challenge.

You are loved - nothing you do or experience will keep you from the love of God.

You are forgiven - His grace covers all your fears and failures.

You are cared for - He cares about the details of your life.

You are not alone - He is with you, and He will never leave you.

How do we get God’s perspective?

1. Read your Bible. Scripture dismantles lies and sets your eyes on Jesus.

2. Worship. Placing Jesus as the King of your heart puts your anxieties into their right perspective.

3. Pray. Share your struggle with the Holy Spirit and ask Him to give you revelation on who Jesus is.

4. Share. When the opportunity comes, share about the inner transformation that Jesus is doing.

Overcome your mental health struggles by walking close with Jesus and witness your life from His perspective.