Betty, gave her life to Christ at the age of 6, and had never deviated from Him all through her adult life. Hers was a perfect home, and having a sweet fellowship with Jesus every morning was her daily highlight. Unfortunately, Betty never had it perfect in her romantic relationships. From her teenage years into adulthood, she struggled with rejections, broken promises and multiple broken relationships. Unknown to Betty, this began to weigh on her heart beyond words. It affected her emotionally, but still she Loved Jesus. Her mental health was in a fast decline especially after the last breakup which was a cancelled engagement. This left her severely depressed for over 2 weeks and for the first time in her life, she began to consider suicidal thoughts
Navigating the complexities of life often leaves us feeling emotionally and spiritually depleted. We struggle with anxiety, depression, fear, and a sense of being lost, even amidst outward success. This “soulish” realm – the emotional and mental landscape of our being – can be a battleground when the oppositions of life become fierce and lifes challenges becone unrelenting, despite every effort we make to profer a solution.
But what if I told you that a deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ isn’t just a spiritual exercise, but a powerful pathway to restoring and nurturing this vital part of ourselves? David acknowledges the reality of our internal struggles and Gods knowledge of them; in Psalm 139:1-3 David also speaks of our hidden anxieties: “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” This verse isn’t just a plea for God to judge us; it’s an acknowledgment of our need for his insight and guidance in the messy terrain of our emotions. We can’t always understand our own hearts, but God can, and he offers healing.
God is close to a broken heart and Psalm 34:18 reveals the Character of God inthis light. Ee have thought wrongly thatvwjen we are down andnbroken, God does not wnat to have snything to do with us; but may i ask you- ‘ if you had a friend or a niece or a child, when do you want to be closest to them? You go it, in times of pain, you want to be close to those you love! that is exactly how God wants to be close to you, ehen you are in pain. God wants to help you.
One of the most profound ways Jesus calls us to nuture our soulish health is through his gift of Peace to us. Jesus speaking in John 14:27 promises us, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” The Peace of Christ Jesus isn’t a fleeting feeling; rather it’s a deep-seated completion in wholeness, that stems from a relationship with the Prince of Peace.
Think about a time you experienced overwhelming stress. How did you cope? Did it leave you feeling depleted? Did the feeling leave on it’s own? Contrast that with the peace that comes from surrendering your anxieties to Jesus, trusting in His sovereignty and provision in your life.
Faith isn’t a magic bullet. It’s a journey, a process of actively engaging with God and allowing Him to work in your life. The story of David in the Psalms powerfully illustrates this. David, a man chosen by God, faced immense struggles – betrayal, loss, and even deep despair. Yet, his prayers, his lamentations, and his ultimate trust in God’s mercy are a testament to the healing power of faith even in the midst of intense emotional turmoil. He didn’t suppress his emotions; he brought them before God. He didnt ignore his pain, rather he brough them to God. H didnt make landmark decisions based on his brokeness, rather He learnt to trust in the Lord day by day.
This brings us to a crucial question: How are you processing your emotions? Are you suppressing them, burying them, ignoring them or bringing them before The Lord in prayer and honest reflection? Journaling, talking to a trusted friend or mentor, and seeking professional counseling or Coaching can all be valuable tools in this process. Remember, God also uses others to minister to our needs. Hebrews 3:13 says “Exhort one another daily while it is still called Today…” The word Exhort in this context means to encourage, entreat, comfort and console someone. So, we are to exhort one snother daily.
Finally, faith in Christ leads to hope. Romans 15:13 reminds us, “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” Hope is an anchor for our souls, a belief that even in the darkest of times, God is working, His plan is unfolding, and His love endures. What specific areas of your life are causing you the most anxiety or despair? How can you cultivate a renewed sense of hope, rooted in God’s promises, in those areas?
Our soulish health is a precious gift from God. He desires our wholeness – emotionally, mentally, and spiritually 3John1:2.
Therefore by actively engaging in faith, surrendering our anxieties to Jesus Christ, seeking a godly community and support, we can find peace in the storm and experience the profound healing power of Jesus Christ regarding her mental health. Betty found help eventually, her family continued to pray with her and rallied round her. Soon, Betty began to find her way back to her first love, she began to heal again and her soul began to find rest in Christ’s Word again . Your situation may be more complicated than Betty’s, but Jesus Christ is Saying “Come to me and you will find Rest for your Soul.”
The journey may be challenging, but the destination – a life brimming with joy, peace, and hope – is worth the leap of Faith.
Are you in need of help today? Reach out for a session to help you declutter the weight on your mind, in Christ’s Presence.
