Mental health has been on a rise, especially since covid. I know many people (including myself) who have struggled mentally. I know people who have suffered with mental illnesses like mild depression, all the way to bi-polar disorder; either way, mental struggles have some heavy effects. Being a Christian doesn’t necessarily exempt you from being challenged that way either. Elijah, the prophet, is a biblical example of this. Even after he had so much victory with God, he had a moment where he wanted to just die and be done (1 Kings 19:1-4). Check out this chapter if you want to know the details.
One thing I’ve realized in this journey with Jesus is life is going to happen. Things you can prevent, but many things you simply cannot prevent. I don’t know how in the world I ever did life before I knew Jesus... But the Bible says in Psalms 34:19 “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all.” Today I just wanted to encourage you with that, and share with you some of my favorite Bible verses that gave me direction during my time of struggle. This isn’t everything, but here are a few!
1.) 2 Timothy 1:7 “. . .for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and a sound mind.”
2.) 2 Corinthians 3:17 “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”
3.) 2 Corinthians 10:4-6 "For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 6 being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.”
4.) Isaiah 26 “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”
5.) Ephesians 2:14 “For He Himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility. . . .”
I used to struggle with so many emotional and mental issues before I met Jesus and chose to whole-heartily surrender my life to Him. It was a 3 1/2 year journey to freedom, but it was WELL worth it! One of the keys to these verses coming alive for you is making a decision, in your heart. Are you ready to give your life to Jesus? This will allow access to the dead-raising power of the Holy Spirit into your life. Now we can get to work! One battle, one day, one victory at a time.
Now I can say I’ve been set free for almost 7 years, all by the mercies, love, and grace of God! If He did it for me, He WILL do it for you too. He is a GOOD Father. Try Him, and see for yourself.
XOXO
-Daisy Spencer