Tag Archives: mental illness

Addressing Anxiety Disorders Among Christians

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“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:6-7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

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In Philippians 4:6-7 Paul tells the Philippians church IF they will replace anxiety with prayer and thankfulness, THEN God’s peace will guard their hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

As someone who suffers from clinical depression and anxiety, my first thought (honestly) as I read these verses were, “if only it were this simple.” Now, before you gasp in shock, allow me to elaborate. The Bible never said faith is simple.

I believe there are two types of anxiety. The first is based on circumstances. The second is a physical/mental illness caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain.

Both should be addressed with prayer and Thanksgiving as Paul proclaims, but the prayers are very different.

When anxiety is the result of circumstances our prayers implore God to move on our behalf to resolve the circumstance. Our faith rests in knowing “He will work all things together for good, to those who love God.” (Romans 8:28)

When anxiety is the result of a chemical imbalance in the brain, our approach is different. In this situation our prayer and supplication is for God’s healing. Our faith rests in His promise(s) of healing. “I will heal them and reveal to them the abundance of peace and truth.”
‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭33:6‬(b) NKJV‬‬

Sadly, I’ve read articles by well meaning Christians who criticize other believers who suffer with mental illness. Brothers and sisters, people who deal with emotional distress do not need judgmental stigma. We, of all people, should provide a place of refuge for the hurting. There is enough stigma in the secular world. Instead, we must become a people who lead them to “Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.”
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3:20‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

If you had a Christian friend who was diagnosed with cancer or heart disease you would earnestly seek God for their healing. Until we treat victims of mental illness the same way we will continue to alienate those who suffer in shame and silence.

You may be surprised to learn that in the United States someone commits suicide every 15 minutes. Equally alarming is the fact that Christians commit suicide at the same rate as non-believers.

I realize this is not your typical message on Philippians 4:6-7, but I pray it will open your eyes to the need among believers to recognize the validity of this issue and the need to respond with compassion and empathy. You could save a life.

PRAYER:
Lord, I thank You that you ARE able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we could ever ask or think. I pray for my brothers and sisters in the world who suffer with mental illness. Father, I ask You to heal their minds and bless them with an abundance of Your peace, which surpasses all understanding. Help us Lord to renew our minds through the power of Your Word.

Father I also pray for a greater awareness in the body of Christ about how to minister to those dealing with emotional illness. Help us to show the same compassion as we do to those who suffer physical illness. Help us not to trivialize their pain. Thank You for an increase in Godly therapists who are able to address this problem with a faith-based perspective.

Break through the stigma of mental illness so Your children can find freedom to ask for and receive help.

In the mighty name of Jesus. AMEN

It’s Better There

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I lost a dear friend this week. When I saw this verse, it gave me such comfort. The pain and hardship of this life are behind her now. She had a childlike awe of God. When we talked about Him, she would soak it up like a sponge, always hungry for more. I can imagine her running into the arms of Jesus squealing with delight. It’s better here! 

 My friend Steph was a giver. We were neighbors for twelve years, and friends for almost twenty. When I was still working Steph came over everyday and took my dogs out. She loved animals and they loved her. When I had a problem she was always there trying to step in and offer a solution. She often scolded me for being too independent to accept help. 

But, Steph lived a troubled life. She suffered from mental illness and a history of drug abuse. I’m not sure which contributed to which, but she was tortured by both.

Knowing Steph changed my perception of people struggling with these issues. It’s easy to judge someone for their shortcomings, but I promise you, no one wants that life. Steph felt deep sorrow over the pain her addiction caused those she loved the most, especially her daughter Natera and her grandchildren. She wanted so much to make them proud of her. But too often, her demons were stronger than her desire to change.

I’m thankful Jesus knows our hearts. He came to set us free and give us an abundant life. Unfortunately, Steph didn’t understand how to fight spiritually for what He had already given her. Her fight is over now. Rest In Peace sweet friend. Thank you for the difference you made in my life.

Breaking Generational Curses

Posted in Spiritual Growth by

IMG_1370Sin doesn’t just affect the sinner, it affects the entire family. Science calls it genetics. Addictive behaviors, mental illness, and some physical illnesses have a genetic component. They also have a spiritual component. If we want complete healing we have to address both. 

My actions have consequences. It’s heartbreaking to think my sins will be passed on to my child or future grandchildren. It’s equally disheartening to think I am paying for the sins of my ancestors.

When we see a “pattern” among family members, especially with behavioral issues it may very well be a “generational curse”. Jesus became a curse when He hung on the cross. His blood gives us the power to break the generational curses over our lives and our bloodline. 

“Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”. Galatians 3:13 (NKJV) 

PRAY:
Father, according to this scripture you lavish UNFAILING love to a thousand generations. I thank You for this promise and pray that every member of my bloodline will know You and experience Your unfailing love.

Lord, release the guilt of my sins and the sins of my ancestors, removing the generational curses in past and future generations by applying the precious blood of Jesus to those sins. I claim the physical, emotional and spiritual healing that You purchased for me according to Isaiah 53:5 “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.”

Thank You Jesus, for paying a debt I could never pay! Your Word promises in John 8:36, “Whom the SON has set free, is free indeed.” I receive and release that freedom over myself and every member of my bloodline … past, present and future, in the mighty name of Jesus.