I Peter 5:7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
“Mental health” mentioned in the news again today. In fact, hardly a day passes without some reference in the media to the general lack of mental well-being in our society. This is far too big and controversial a subject to cover in a blog. I’m not qualified to give an opinion in any case. But the people in the Bible were no strangers to mental health issues – it’s not just a modern problem. The story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19 comes to mind; even someone in his position and relationship with God was not exempt from depression. Jesus Himself mentioned anxiety and worry in Matthew 6.
But as I was thinking and praying about one or two people this morning who do suffer from depression, I felt God pop the word “compassion” into my mind. I need to have a Godly compassion for those I know who are struggling with mental health issues. Issues perhaps caused by bereavement, fear of redundancy, physical complaints, family matters – the stresses and strains of life. But communication with someone suffering from mental health issues often isn’t easy. By its very nature, anything that affects our thinking processes will impact not only how we feel but how we interact with others.
God sent an angel to minister to Elijah’s physical needs, and we have many “angels” in our medical services who do likewise. But for those around us suffering from the anxieties of modern life, to the extent that their mental health is suffering, we need to lead them prayerfully and compassionately to the One Who heals all our sicknesses. Because He cares for us.
Being a Pilgrim 