This is My command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:9 NLT
I recall one of my dearest friends calling to inform me that she had been diagnosed with a mental disorder. She was worried about how people would react to her and even more concerned about how she should react to this new discovery. The first thing we did was pray and ask the Lord for His help.
The words of Joshua 1:9 gave her great hope. The most important thing for her to remember was to resist the temptation of fear and remember that God was with her to help her through this diagnosis. So here are some practical truths to help you as you face your own diagnosis.
1. Realize that mental illness is an actual bodily illness. Physical changes in your brain can cause behavioral differences and challenge your emotions, perception, and ability to think. Approach your mental illness just like you would any other physical health concern. “Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20 for God bought you with a high price. So, you must honor God with your body.“ – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NLT
2. You are not alone. Remember that you are not alone on this journey. Whether the peace of God meets you through medical intervention, practical coping skills, miraculous healing, or sustainable care, God’s love for you hasn’t changed because you have a mental illness. You can overcome this hardship and experience His peace. “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in Me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart because I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33 NLT
3. Find comfort in your faith community. Reach out to those in your church and community to help you deal with the changes you must make. “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2 NLT
4. Go to God for help. You can come to God in prayer, study His Word, or spend time in His presence singing and meditating on His love for you. “Then Jesus said, “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you. Let me teach you because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30 NLT
5. Follow your prescribed treatment plan. You are body, soul, and spirit. You must allow healing to occur in every area of your life. Take your prescribed medications. Use the tools and strategies you learn in therapy. God can use all of these things to bring healing and freedom to you. “Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the LORD will be joyful.” – Proverbs 16:20 NLT
6. Read the Word of God daily. God is good, and the best way to live a victorious life is through trust and reliance on His Word. Daily Bible reading can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. His words bring encouragement and confidence. “For the Word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” – Hebrews 4:12 NLT
Dig Deeper
1. Find a prayer partner to pray with you about your next steps. Be careful to make sure this person is spiritually mature. One suggestion is to share with a church leader who can pray with you about your diagnosis and treatment.
2. One of the most important things you can do is to strengthen your identity in Christ. Read Ephesians 2:10 and try to memorize it this week.
