Having faith’ doesn’t mean going it alone. Yes, you need prayer, community and the bible. But you can also use medication, counselling and therapy. If we can use doctors for our bodies, we can use doctors for our brains. When Saul was stressed, David played him soothing music. When Elijah was close to breakdown, God told him to sleep and eat. So let’s not be ashamed of using the resources we have been given.
It’s not true that if you have enough faith, your problems will go away. Jesus promises to be with us in the storms, not to remove them. Storms can be depression or schizophrenia or the legacy of abuse or grief…and some get easier over time, but some stay the same, (until we’re with Jesus). But there’s hope: in Christ, we can face the worst of ourselves and of others. He doesn’t ask us to cope alone or to pretend we’re doing fine on our own. He says, our weaknesses are the channels for His strength.
If you have an anxiety disorder, it’s an opportunity to rely more on Jesus, (as is every trial). But it doesn’t mean you’re not trusting enough, or that you’re a bad Christian.
You are not your mental health or diagnosis. These are a little feature; like a tree on a mountain. Make sure you take the time to zoom back up to 30 000 feet. At times it’s important to forget the tree. The mountain is what’s on the map and you are what’s on God’s mind.
You’re not always sick because you’re being disobedient. Sure, in your sickness (as in your health) there are areas that you need to work on and sins that need calling out. But it’s not a straight line.
You need prayer. Not in the sense of ‘Perform this and everything will go away’. But to know Jesus and His family, their love and their encouragement. Speaking out your needs is not weakness or selfishness. It’s vital that you’re honest.
You need friends. Not everyone will get it. Not everyone should be trusted with every detail. But you need at least a few others to share life with you. Choose wisely then take the plunge.
Whatever you’re facing, your Christian walk does not begin once it is ‘fixed.’ God is not at work in you when you’re feeling happier, or you’ve dealt with your addiction, or when the tablets kick in. He’s here and doing something important, right now. In fact, He often works IN the bits we want to edit, or when we feel beyond hope. Think of what He’s up to at the Cross. This is a little cross in your life; but resurrection life is in you too.
Thank you for sharing these needed insights, Emma. Blessings to you!
Thanks Trudy