"In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but shows favour to the humble." Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."
1 Peter 5:5-7
We see in our lives today more people are talking about their mental health. Anxiety, stress, and depression are the three most common mental health conditions people struggle with. As Christians, we can't deny the fact that people struggle both mentally and physically, but as believers in Christ, we can be confident knowing that we don't struggle alone.
1 Peter 5:7 mentions anxiety and the fact that we are to cast it on Jesus rather than holding onto it ourselves! Proverbs 12:25 says, "Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad." So, the Bible makes it clear that by holding onto anxiety, it has the power to cause depression, but on the contrary, a 'good word' can produce in us the very opposite. John 1 declares that Jesus Himself is the 'Word' that became flesh. Therefore, there is no better word that can cheer us up than reading the words of Jesus Himself!
Psalms 119:143-144 says, "As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands. Your laws are always right; help me to understand them so I may live." Today, maybe you can start by reading the word of God, which will begin to tear down every lie of the enemy about your life!
Remember, in John 10:10, the Bible tells us that Satan's mission is to kill, steal, and destroy. He will always attempt to isolate you and start by attacking your mind. But Jesus goes on to say in John 10, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." Therefore, we should know that we are not on our own when struggling with any mental wellness issue and that life comes from living in obedience to him that can destroy the works of the enemy!
Here are a few helpful reminders for you as the Lord journeys with you through this.
Remember God's promises - God said through Moses, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you" (Deuteronomy 31:6).
You're not alone – In John 14:16-17, Jesus said, "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn't looking for him and doesn't recognise him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you."
You have the mind of Christ – In 1 Corinthians 2:16, Paul writes, "Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ."
Pray about it – Paul, when locked in prison, wrote these powerful words in Philippians 4:4-6, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Today, as you read the word, know it has the incomparable power to change your mind and your mood. Through prayer, we can exchange all anxiety for God's perfect peace!
