Cast Your Cares on Him

Mental health is a topic that so many do not want to talk about. We often feel that it may appear as a weakness if we let someone know that we need help. However, that is far from the truth. The truth is we all struggle at times and need someone to listen and pray for us. The Bible instructs is in 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you.”

The thing that we must learn is to have the ability to live one day at a time, trusting God that He knows the future and that He holds us in the palm of hands. Our greatest challenge, however, is that we feel alone and forget that God is always near, and we can feel His presence every day. But if we are not careful, weariness will lead to cynicism, and thereafter bitterness, despair, depression, and finally burnout.

Though the Bible does not specifically refer to the topic of mental health, however, it does speak a lot about a person’s emotions, their mind, their soul, and their heart. Mental health is an extremely important topic that all people need to be familiar with today. Some of the common ailments associated with mental health are anxiety and depression. According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, 264 million people struggle with depression and 40 million people struggle with anxiety.

It is a true reality that anybody can struggle with their mental health whether the individual is young or old, a believer or an unbeliever. If you struggle with mental health, you are not alone. Other mental health problems in addition to anxiety and depression include eating disorders, personality disorders, psychotic disorders, and PTSD. Each of these illnesses can happen to a person for a variety of reasons.

Thus, it is crucial that as believers, we do not judge, belittle, or condemn those struggling with mental illnesses. Rather than condemning those with mental illness, Christians are to help, show kindness, and love them (John 13:34-35). Most importantly, pray for them.

1 Kings 19:4 informs us of Elijah’s struggle, “While he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. ‘I have had enough, Lord,’ he said. ‘Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.’” God did not take Elijah’s life, but rather, gave him the strength to keep going. God helped Elijah by providing Elijah with a good nap and a good meal (1 Kings 19:5-8).

After Elijah had slept and ate, he was ready to continue on with the work of the Lord. While those who struggle with suicidal thoughts may not feel better after taking a nap or eating a good meal, God does not want any person to take their life. God came to give us life more abundantly!

If anyone is struggling with suicidal thoughts, they need to seek out medical help, therapy, and most importantly, pray to God about their feelings. There is nothing wrong with seeking help from your pastors, doctors, therapists, or counselors. God has placed professional doctors, therapists, and counselors in their positions for a reason. It is ok to ask for help.

Paul states in Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.”

Please visit The Family Church 9456 Hwy 146 N Liberty, TX (Hardin) or Facebook live @tfchardin.