Finding Hope Series Pt 3

Part 3: Taking Care of Your Mental State

Welcome to Part 3 in our blog series on Finding Hope: A Series on Overcoming Struggles. So far, we have looked at Biblical Examples of Emotional Struggles and God's Promises of Hope. Today we will explore some biblical principles that can help us maintain good a mental state through caring for ourselves, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. As with everything, we look to God’s Word to find the answers we need. Although the Bible does not specifically name and address each individual issue or struggle, and possible ten steps to take, it does provide guidance on life and how to overcome. This blog post will not cover an exhaustive list of every possible tool. Instead, we will touch on some of the basics steps needed to care for your mental state.

Rest
The Bible teaches us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). As such, it is important to take care of ourselves. Taking care to maintain good overall health could be as simple as enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, or more involved like engaging in activities or hobbies that bring us joy. We know rest is important to our physical well-being, but it is equally important to find rest in mental and spiritual facets as well. Certainly, the Bible teaches us the importance of rest, both physically and spiritually. In Exodus 20:8-10, we read that God commanded the Israelites to observe the Sabbath day and keep it holy. The Israelites were instructed to rest from their work, but this was not merely a day of rest or a vacation. Their Sabbath Day was a day of rest dedicated and holy to God. Isaiah 58:13-14 “If you turn back your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on my holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight and the holy day of the Lord honorable; if you honor it, not going your own ways, or seeking your own pleasure, or talking idly; then you shall take delight in the Lord, and I will make you ride on the heights of the earth; I will feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
Another aspect not often associated with rest, is to release grudges, resentment, and bitterness. Not only can these feelings be emotionally distressing, but are also detrimental to our overall health. In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus teaches us that we must forgive others. When we choose to forgive others, we release ourselves from the burden of burgeoning anger and ever-expanding resentment. Forgiveness and releasing these burdens can be challenging, but it can also be liberating. Hebrews 12 encourages us to “lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus” (ESV). In Matthew 11:28-29, Jesus tells us to come to Him and find rest for our souls. Thus, it is clear that we need to take time to rest and recharge; to dedicate time to rest physically, but most importantly, to dedicate time devoted to God as our Sabbath rest.

Support
One of the most important things you can do to care for your mental state is to seek help when you need it. This could mean talking to a trusted friend, a family member, or seeking help from a pastor. The Bible teaches us that we should not try to go through life's struggles alone. Proverbs 17:17 tells us that “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Therefore, do not be afraid to reach out for help when you need it. At the same time, be intentional and make the time to talk and seek the support you need.

Surround
The people we surround ourselves with can have a significant impact on our mental state. That is why it is so important to surround ourselves with positive influences; people who will lift us up and encourage us. Proverbs 13:20 says, “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” Therefore, seek out relationships with people who will support you and help you grow in your faith. While it is easier to seek out people with similar struggles merely because it is easier to identify with a fellow struggler, please seek out those who have already walked out of the proverbial valley. Remember: Hurt people, hurt people and struggling people struggle.

Focus
When we face difficult times, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and helpless. However, as Christians, we have a powerful source of strength in God. Philippians 4:13 assures us that we “can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (ESV). When we turn to focus on God for strength and guidance, we can find the courage and resilience we need to face life's challenges.
In conclusion, taking care of your mental state is an important aspect to overall wellness, and it is something that we can all strive to prioritize in our lives. By practicing forgiveness, prioritizing physical and spiritual rest, seeking help when we need it, surrounding ourselves with positive influences, and turning to focus on God, we can maintain good mental state and live the abundant life that God has planned for us. In the next part of this series, we will explore how community and prayer can help us care for our mental state. Until then, take some time to reflect on these biblical principles in this blog and how you can apply them to your life. Remember, taking care of your mental state through Jesus is essential to living a full and meaningful life.

Valeta Baty, Author