The Bible is filled with people facing mental health concerns | Lequita Sharrock
Throughout my work as a guest columnist on this platform, I’ve shared many viewpoints and transparent testimonies about mental health.
Yes, it’s an important issue. However, this discussion goes beyond the words on this page.
There’s no refuting the truth that the blood of Jesus makes us whole. That doesn’t take away from the fact that it’s OK not to be OK.
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The Bible is filled with chapters about individuals facing mental health concerns.
David was a man after God’s heart, yet he battled moments of depression. The story of Job could be a case study for grief counseling.
In the New Testament, Martha’s issues with anxiety were on full display. She was on edge while prepping for a visit from Jesus. Peter was the rock and one of the closest disciples of Christ. However, his problems with anger management ranged from profanity to cutting off the ear of a Roman soldier.
I, too, have times when I’m not OK and I’m OK with that.
Over the years, I’ve learned to reduce these instances from long periods to temporary moments.
To God be the glory, I can embrace this stance as a result of professional help combined with prayer, family support and at one time, daily medication. These elements served as my winning formula.
This is the spiritual theme for Mental Health Awareness Month. If you’re dealing with problems, pray for God to lead you to the right therapist.
It takes a bold stance to acknowledge a need for help.
“Be strong and let your heart take courage, All you who hope in the Lord.” – Psalm 31:24 (NIV)
In addition to those going through the healing process of mental health, I am praying for counselors, advocates and policymakers.
We need to call upon the Lord to set a solid foundation to address these matters. This includes education, insurance coverage plans, medication, community resource outlets and support systems.
I’m praying for churches, synagogues, mosques and all places of worship to raise their platforms to help their parishioners in these areas.
It’s OK not to be OK. It’s also God’s holy will for us to be healed.
Have faith and be hopeful. Even Jesus had times when he needed space for refreshment.
But just as he was triumphant over the grave, he’ll lead us to victory in the spiritual battle of mental health.
“For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7 (LSV).
Lequita Sharrock is the CEO of Sharrock Media Group and founder of the nonprofit organization, Beyond The Booth, Inc. She hosts a bi-weekly non-denominational podcast called UnStoppable with Lequita Sharrock. She can be reached at lsharrock@sharrockmediagroup.com.
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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Faith leaders can help support Mental Health Awareness Month
