Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good, pleasing, and perfect. – Romans 12:2 NLT
As an EMT, missionary, and pastor, I approach human issues from the understanding that God made us with a body, mind, and soul. Our spiritual, physical, and mental life are all wrapped up together and directly impact one another. Distinguishing between spiritual and psychological issues can be challenging because they are often interconnected. Sometimes, spiritual issues manifest as psychological symptoms, but both areas often require attention and healing. Healing is a dynamic process. It requires active engagement and a commitment to personal growth, even when it doesn’t always feel good.
Isaiah 53:5 says, “But He was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.” In this passage, we are reminded of how Jesus heals us spiritually by dealing with our sins at the cross. It also points to the transformative power of His love, which can bring about mental and emotional healing.
Emotions are part of being human, and they alone may not be a reliable indicator of God’s voice or spiritual guidance. True happiness and peaceful emotional stability come from repeated virtuous actions and decisions aligned to God’s Word and His ways. This will require effort to let go of your will and your ways and may not always produce immediate gratification, but in time will produce a wonderful harvest of peace.
If you feel like you’re far off from that wonderful harvest of peace, David writes in Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” The experience of pain and brokenness draws God near to those who are hurting. His Word assures us of His presence with us during those times of distress.
When faced with a whirlwind of mental health challenges, seeking both spiritual direction and psychological therapy can be helpful. Spiritual intervention focuses on discerning God’s work in your life, while clinical therapists help you become more aware of how therapeutic tools can assist in your healing. Either way, no matter how complex your situation, the Lord Jesus sees you and knows you, He loves you with all of His heart, and He knows exactly what you need to experience peace, hope, and healing.
Dig Deeper
1. There is often a stigma attached to mental health issues. However, in Scripture, we see examples of spiritual and physical ailments that do not result from sin. Consider John 9:2-3, “Rabbi,” His disciples asked Him, “Why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?” “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.”
2. How can the power of God be seen in your situation?
