Good Health 3. (1 Peter 2:24 NLT) One of the areas of illness that Christ addressed was mental health (Isaiah 61:1-4 NLT). Depression is becoming a big problem all across the world, in-fact the World Health Organization says that about 280 million people worldwide suffer from depression.
Depression is a feeling of severe despondency and rejection, and it comes with overwhelming sadness. Some people are permanently in this state for weeks or months, and you see symptoms like extreme anxiety, restlessness, and loss of interest in activities that brought pleasure before. Sometimes depression manifests in the form of sleeplessness, extreme fatigue or fixation over negative past occurrences and it could degenerate into self-harm and suicidal thoughts.
No matter the kind of illness we are battling with, we need to bring God into the situation (Psalm 42:5 NLT). Our mental health matters to God and provision has been made for victory in Christ.
Steps to victory in Christ
- Understand that there are others that have overcome this challenge and you will too: (1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT) Moses went through depression, it got to a point that He asked God to kill him. Ask for the help of the Holy Spirit, He is not just a feeling that we have, He is someone to speak with, The Holy Spirit fills our heart with Joy and laughter. Depression causes you to feel hopeless, but the Holy Spirit reminds you that God is thinking about you.
- Listen to clean inspiring music: (1 Samuel 16:23 MSG) put on good music, it creates a good atmosphere. This is why worship is very powerful because it lifts your soul and focuses your attention on God.
- Listen continually to the word of God: The Bible has something to say about your situation, it gives you hope. The word of God is the only medication that has the capacity to heal soul, spirit and body. The word of God will show you who you are and what He says about you is superior to what anyone else says about you.
- Get treatment from professionals till your healing is confirmed: Speak to professionals about your worries and issues.
- Establish safeguards for your thoughts: Safeguard your mind, be careful what you watch and listen to. (Phillipians 4:7-8 NKJV)
- Let God use you to help other people: When we meet people that are struggling with their mental health we should not care for them less than people who have physical illnesses. We should care for them like the good Samaritan cared for the helpless stranger.
Sermon excerpt from Sunday sermon by Pastor Solomon Kpandei– Sunday 17, September, 2023
Watch this sermon here.
