MENTAL HEALTH

 MENTAL HEALTH

  Proverbs 4:23  Keep your heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. [also note 23:7a]

  1Corinthians 13:11-12  When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. 

  Though much in the minds of people today, the term “mental health” is nowhere found in God’s Word. But the topic is definitely there pertaining to the condition of our soul, how we think and feel; emotions good and bad flowing from our thoughts.

  It is argued by experts and others that mental health is most often a definitive result of environment good or bad. This true or not depending on attitude (mental health). In particular for those trusting God’s purpose in life. The contrary being the life-is-all-about-me attitude.

  The apostle Paul declared this in his epistle to the Philippians, including affirming “Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained. … I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (3:12-16; 4:12-13) His life being one of many stressful situations including then awaiting probable execution. (He was executed.)

  Let us accept the fact that Adam and Eve in the garden enjoyed sanity. Once they gained the knowledge of good and evil the insanity of living began, the work of optimizing mental health far more difficult than weeding the newly weedy fields. The first one to overtly fail being Cain. And we have been laboring ego-centric ever since.

  However, God freely, if accepted, provides renewal: Peace and rest in and by Jesus Christ.

  “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” And to those trusting Him as Savior, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (Mt.11:28-30; Jn.14:27)

EBB4