by Beatrice Jean-Baptiste
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, and from the words of my groaning? My God, I cry in the daytime, but you don’t answer; in the night season, and am not silent. For he has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, Neither has he hidden his face from him; but when he cried to him, he heard.
It’s time we normalize and prioritize mental health in Christian communities.
Even before the pandemic of 2020 and 2021, studies showed a rise in loneliness, depression, anxiety, and a sense of disconnectedness. We often take preventative measures to keep our blood pressure and sugar levels regulated, but bypass the importance of boosting our mental health.
The Bible is filled with stories of people like us; experiencing life’s challenges and wrestling with hard questions.
In Psalm 22, the Psalmist is honest, open, and transparent. He doesn’t sugarcoat his pain.
Too many times, we make light of our pain and ignore the warning signs that our mental health is suffering. God is not aloof to our mental health because He is concerned about our holistic healing.
You are not alone. God has provided resources like His Word, community, and Christian counseling to help us along life’s hurdles.
God hears our cries, even when it seems that He doesn’t.
He is aware that your pillow is soaked with tears and that your back is up against a wall. He sees you and He cares. And just like the Psalmist cried out to God and found relief, you can do the same.
God is near even when He feels so far away. Hold on to Him and let Him birth a testimony out of your trials.
Why is it important for Christians to address mental health concerns within religious settings?
Loving Lord, I will cast all of my cares upon You because You deeply care and are concerned about my well-being. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.