Mental Health

The Christian viewpoint on mental health is a wide spectrum. Some Christians believe there is no such thing as mental illness, but rather the result of spiritual affliction and even demonic influence. Other Christians are at the other end of the spectrum, believing there is no such thing as spiritual affliction or demonic influence, but that all mental health problems are simply the result of physiological or chemical imbalances.

The Bible speaks of both spiritual and mental problems. Yes, there are plenty of scriptures describing people “acting crazy” who clearly are demon possessed. Even Jesus says so. See Mark 5:1-20. It doesn’t seem likely Jesus would “mis-diagnose” someone. Others, like Elijah, are depressed and suicidal. But there is no mention of demon possession. See I Kings 19:3-5.

Most likely you aren’t dealing with any kind of demonic influence… you are reading this because YOU or someone you love is struggling with a mental health issue. Like all health problems, mental health problems have common symptoms and talking to your doctor is always a good idea. We can be thankful that there are indeed treatments, medicines and therapies that can help with many genuine mental illnesses. Some think they are going through spiritual battles when maybe the best places to start would be getting a good night’s sleep and exercising more.

But this doesn’t mean every spiritual struggle needs medical intervention. Along with seeing your doctor, seek out the scriptures for some tried and true treatment. Here are 3 scriptures to give you some good mental health remedies that can make a real difference in dealing with your struggles.

1. Renew your mind. Romans 12:1-2 tells us not to be so consumed with this world, “but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” It means we DECIDE to dwell on the right things and not allow the harmful things to consume our thoughts. Yes, you actually CAN decide to take off those old thoughts like an old coat and put on “the new self” like it talks about in Colossians 3:5-10.

2. Guard your heart. Proverbs 4:23 was written by King Solomon, the wisest man to ever live. His advice? Not more knowledge or facts or statistics… instead “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it”. Be intentional about where you give your heart and passion. Or maybe better said, be intentional about WHO you give your heart to… which leads to the last one…

3. Change your company. I Corinthians 15:33 is actually a quote from an old Greek poet named Menander, saying “Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” We tend to undervalue the power and influence others have on our mental state. If you are constantly surrounded by negative people saying negative things all the time, you will most likely feel negative. If you can’t change them, change your company. Find more positive people and invest time with them. If you are seeking love and peace, walk with people who practice love and peace.

And finally, remember you are not alone in this. Jesus has promised to be with you and never leave you. He is our friend who sticks closer than a brother. See Proverbs 18:24.