Mental health has been a popular (and important) topic of conversation in recent years. Although the Bible doesn’t use the term “mental health” in the majority of its translations, we can still learn valuable truths about this topic by looking at the ways God cared for His people in times of struggle throughout Scripture.
Defining ‘Mental Health’
Mental health refers to our overall emotional, psychological, and relational well-being. It shapes how we think and feel, how we interact with others, and how we make decisions. Our mental health is impacted by a number of factors, including our spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being. So our level of mental wellness isn’t limited to one factor, but is actually the sum total of different areas of health in our lives.
Mental health looks different for everyone, and this article should not be used in place of a clinical diagnosis. If your symptoms are getting in the way of daily functioning (like work, sleep, health, relationships, or emotional well-being), talk to your doctor or a professional counselor.
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3 Examples of God’s Care for Mental Health
In the Gospel of Mark, Jesus reiterates an Old Testament commandment by saying, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” This shows us an all-encompassing faith that isn’t limited to our spiritual practices or church attendance. Instead, loving God is a whole-life experience.
In the same way, God cares about our whole life and what we experience physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally.
Here are three biblical examples of God caring for people experiencing a crisis that likely would have impacted their mental health.
1. God Meets Our Practical Needs
Sometimes, we might be tempted to believe that God only cares about our spiritual well-being—that our physical needs matter less to Him than whether we’re becoming more like Jesus. But in the Bible there are many, many examples of God caring for the practical needs people experienced.
Elijah was an Old Testament prophet with an amazing, faith-building track record. He stood up against evil kings, had personal encounters with God, and called fire down from heaven. Still, after a particularly rough experience with Queen Jezebel, Elijah ran for his life. 1 Kings 19 records:
… [Elijah] came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” 1 Kings 19:4 NIV
After crying out to God in the midst of his worries and fear, Elijah lay down and fell asleep. In the verses after this plea, the Lord showed up to care for Elijah’s real, practical needs. An angel of the Lord provided him with warm bread and fresh water. And after another nap, Elijah woke up to a second meal.
In a moment of anxiety, God showed up.
In a moment of anxiety, God showed up. He was with Elijah, meeting his needs physically, relationally, and spiritually.
When we feel left behind or forgotten, we can remember that God cares about our every need.
2. God Is With Us and Wants to Hear From Us
When we’re in the middle of a crisis, it isn’t always easy to know who we can turn to. Who’s on our side? Who can we talk to about the struggles we’re facing? In the Bible, we find that God desires to fill that role for all of us—even for His Son, Jesus.
On the evening before His crucifixion, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray. He brought His three closest friends and asked them to pray with Him.
Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Matthew 26:38 NIV
As He was praying, the Bible records “sweat like blood” dripping from Jesus’ forehead. The agony of His situation was spiritual, physical, and emotional.
Ultimately, Jesus concluded His prayer with trust and peace in God’s plan:
… “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.” Matthew 26:42 NIV
Jesus modeled what it looks like to connect with our Father through prayer when we’re in the middle of a crisis. He knew that His Father was always with Him and ready to listen. The same is true of us. God is always with us, and He wants us to share with Him what we’re experiencing.
3. God Wants Us to Ask for Help
When we experience mental health challenges, it can be easy to fall into the trap of believing we just need to pray more or have more faith. Prayer and faith are good and valuable, but chances are, they won’t improve mental health overnight.
Instead, we might need to ask for help from professionals, trusted relationships, or our church family. This is especially true when mental health struggles result from external circumstances, biology and genetics, or other factors outside of our control.
In these situations, God encourages us through His Word to ask for help.
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2 NIV
Don’t hide your struggles or pretend they don’t exist. Instead, in trusted relationships, vulnerably share where you need hope, encouragement, or help.
A Prayer for Mental Health
Heavenly Father, thank You for making me exactly the way I am. I’m constantly reminded of the many ways You’ve designed me to need You and others. Please help me be mentally healthy. Heal what’s been hurt. Give me the courage I need to ask for help. And remind me that You are near. Thank You for caring so deeply about me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Reflect or Discuss
- Which of the three biblical examples do you relate to the most and why?
- What step might you need to take toward mental wellness?
- Who do you need to talk with to find support?