Is Healing from Mental Illness Possible?

                                         Image by Grae Dickason from Pixabay 

"The hope of the cross is that in Christ, there is a Savior that can help us in our struggle with mental illness."

There is something about mental illness in the headlines every day. For millions of families though, it is not a headline. Their child, spouse or grandchild lives with it. And life is not easy. They have regular counseling. Daily medications. Occasional visits to the hospital. And that is not even covering the financial costs and symptoms, which can bring incredible high levels of stress to families and care-givers.

Have you ever felt as if your disorder controls your life? Have you ever wondered if freedom from its control, or even healing is possible?

Jesus once came upon a man whose severe illness brought fear and great concern on the entire community. This is how he was described, “. . . no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain, for he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue him.” (Mark 5:3-4) His family, friends and people of his community tried all they could do to help him from being a danger to himself and others. They were at a loss for other options while the man lived a miserable day to day life.

But something happened to him when he encountered the Lord, “And when Jesus had stepped out of the boat . . . there met him . . . a man . . .” (Mk. 5:2) When the man came into the presence of Christ, without him realizing it, that was the first step toward the help he desperately needed. What did Jesus do? With all authority and power, He looked at the man eye to eye, and boldly stated, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” (Mk. 5:8) What was the result? A little time later, the man was in front of Jesus, “. . . sitting there, clothed and in his right mind . . .” (Mk. 5:15)

The story is not communicating that all mental illnesses are the result of an evil spirit, yet some are. Nor is it saying that every disorder Jesus will instantly heal, yet some He does. The larger message is how there is an important spiritual side to mental illness. The family and friends of the man helped him on the physical side, the best they knew how. But when Jesus arrived, He showed them there was a spiritual side to the man’s disorder, and His power to help him.

God sent Jesus to die on a cross and rise again to do a spiritual work by overcoming the curse of sin. Mental illness is part of this. The story is an illustration about how through the cross of Christ, the journey toward freedom from the dominating power and control of mental disorders is real.

What does that mean? Sometimes people may feel controlled by hopelessness, anger, anxiety, depression, addictions and in some extreme cases – thoughts of suicide. God’s Word uses the term of slavery to describe how we can feel enslaved by these things at times. The hope of the cross is that in Christ, there is a Savior that can help us in our struggle with mental illness. In Him, we can find His help and peace in the midst of the daily battle.

The Psalmist wrote, “. . . they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still and the waves of the sea were hushed.” (Psalm 107:28-29) Cry out to the Lord in your struggle and experience His peace and joy in the storm.

A prayer for you. “Father in heaven, millions have been touched by mental illness. You have hope for each of them. You died and rose again so they can have your peace. For nothing is impossible with you. Begin your healing today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Voting is an Honorable Act

Image by Amber from Pixabay 

"Your vote is your voice to speak up for what honors God."

There are many ways one can do good to others. Feeding the poor, being a foster parent, caring for the elderly, being a voice for the oppressed. What about going to the polls on election day and voting? Is that a genuine way of serving others and doing good?

A famous and elderly man once came to a small town and met with the town’s elders. They knew who he was and were greatly concerned by his presence. He was there on a mission from God. His name was Samuel.

He came in search of Israel’s next king. He was led by God to meet with the family of Jesse. All his sons passed before Samuel, except one; David the youngest. Samuel called for him and as soon as Samuel saw David, he “took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers.” (1 Samuel 16:13) David, a teenager at the time, did not resist nor question what God was doing through Samuel. Though it was several years before wearing the crown, David accepted this calling from God, and viewed it as an act of service to the Lord and the people of Israel. He once wrote, “When one rules justly over men, ruling in the fear of God, he dawns on them like the morning light.” (2 Sam. 23:3-4)

Throughout the Bible, the reader constantly sees this, where people are serving others through the call to serve God. The highest example of this is Jesus, the Son of God. He stated about Himself, “. . . the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45) Jesus’ life set the standard for all His followers. One of the early church leaders whom Jesus’ appointed, wrote that Christians should “. . . be careful to devote themselves to good works.” (Titus 3:8)

How is voting a good work and service to others? First, our government has established a system by which its leaders are voted in or removed from office, by the people. There is no law requiring the people to vote. It is a system that provides citizens the right, privilege and opportunity to do so. The Bible says to, “Honor the emperor.” (1 Peter 2:17) This means to honor the government, at all levels, from local to federal. To vote, is to do a good work that shows honor being given to the government over us. Second, some of our fellow citizens have given themselves to serve in elected office. They have sacrificed in time, money and other ways. To vote, is to do a good work showing respect for the candidates on the ballot. Third, some candidates and issues on the ballot may be honoring or dishonoring to God. Your vote is your voice to speak up for what honors God and a good work that is pleasing to the Lord.

As we serve others with our good works, we recognize the evil and corruption that surrounds us. It should cause us to march forward in the name and power of Jesus with a determined spirit. However, in our humanness, it can discourage or disillusion us, causing us to pull back. I pray you will not be among this group. Instead, go to the polls and cast an honoring vote before the Lord to bring a vote of light into the darkness.

Ask God for wisdom in your service of voting. Be diligent and discerning to protect your vote. Pray for the candidates, the issues and for our nation. The Scripture says, “Righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Proverbs 14:34)

A prayer for you. “Lord God, as we go to the polls, we realize government is not our Savior. We declare that Jesus is our only King. Yet, you have placed this government over us. Help us to be honoring to it through our vote. Raise up righteous, God-honoring candidates that will bring you glory in their service. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

Is Your Belief in God Meaningless?

                                                 

                                                    Image by J F from Pixabay 

“When we say with our lips, ‘I believe in God,’ but put our personal lifestyle above His Word, we are illustrating that our heart is far from the one we profess to believe in.”

Our churches and communities are filled with people who say, “I believe in God,” but do not believe in the Word of God. How can that be? They speak with a sense of assurance that it is well with their soul, but are bothered when someone questions them. They do not understand why someone would. They are firm in their belief, that they believe in God and are confident they have a relationship with Him.

Jesus had regular encounters with the religious leaders who thought similarly. They once questioned Him about His followers, “Why do your disciples break the traditions of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat.” (Matthew 15:2) Jesus, using their own words against them responded wisely and boldly with a similar question, “Why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition?” (Matt. 15:3) Then Jesus laid out a specific command they regularly broke, while teaching others to do the same. Having their direct attention after exposing their hypocrisy He summarized, “So for the sake of your tradition you have made void the word of God.” (Matt. 15:6)

The religious leaders believed in God, but they put their traditions above the Word of God, giving legitimate reason to question their spiritual condition.

Where did the traditions they promoted come from? Their own reasoning. Where does the Word of God come from? The one who created the heavens and earth. So even though they claimed to be children of God, their practices showed otherwise. They were unashamedly putting themselves above God. Perhaps they were ignorant, not realizing what they were doing.

Like the religious leaders, there are many today who put their personal practices above their belief in God. The command of God says, “. . . that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matt. 5:27) In another place the Lord commands, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you . . .” (Matt. 5:44) And the Word also declares, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up . . .” (Ephesians 4:29) The one who confidently speaks of their belief in God, but then regularly permits themselves to lust, be filled with anger at others or use profane speech makes void the Word of God. The reasoning for the lifestyle choices they make have a higher value than what God says. They say they believe in God, or are Christians, but their own desires, habits, wants and needs take precedence over God’s commands.

Why did Jesus point this out? Because it revealed something of grave eternal significance that affected the destiny of their souls, and the souls of those whom they influenced. He strongly condemned them, “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me . . .” (Matt. 15:8)

When we say with our lips, “I believe in God”, but put our personal lifestyle above His Word, we are illustrating that our heart is far from the one we profess to believe in. Jesus does not want our professions; He wants our heart. Why? Because when He gets our heart, He has our entire life. Jesus told His disciples once, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15) Do you love Jesus? This is not a statement of feelings or emotions, but one of the heart, where one is willing to submit their whole life under the authority of Jesus by faith.

Because Jesus suffered, died and rose again for us, and loved us while we were still sinners, we should be willing to yield our lives unto Him, no matter the cost.

A prayer for you. “Lord God, I pray you will search our hearts and point out if we are putting any part of our life, above your Word. Show us if we are making void your Word, by our daily choices. Today, we give you our hearts, not just our lips. Take all of us Jesus. In your holy name. Amen.”