Embracing Mental Health: A Journey of Faith and Support

Devotional

Day 1: Creating a Welcoming Environment Through Openness

Openness about mental health struggles can create a welcoming environment where others feel safe to share their own challenges. This openness fosters a community of support and hope, breaking down the stigma often associated with mental health issues. When we share our personal journeys, we invite others to do the same, creating a space where vulnerability is met with compassion rather than judgment. This kind of environment is essential for the church to be a place of healing and support.

In a community where mental health is openly discussed, individuals are more likely to seek help and find the support they need. This openness can lead to deeper relationships and a stronger sense of belonging. By being transparent about our struggles, we can help to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage others to seek the help they need. [45:57]

Psalm 34:18 (ESV): "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."

Reflection: Think of a time when you felt safe to share a personal struggle. How did that experience impact you? How can you create a similar environment for someone else today?

Day 2: Jesus' Emotional Experience

Jesus Himself experienced a range of emotions, from anger to grief, showing us that it is not a sin to struggle mentally. His example teaches us that emotions are a normal part of the human experience and do not indicate a lack of faith. By acknowledging Jesus' emotional experiences, we can better understand that our own emotions are valid and part of our spiritual journey.

Jesus' life demonstrates that experiencing emotions is not a sign of weakness or lack of faith. Instead, it is a testament to our humanity and our need for God's presence in all aspects of our lives. By embracing our emotions, we can draw closer to God and find comfort in His understanding and compassion. [50:17]

Hebrews 4:15 (ESV): "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent time when you felt a strong emotion. How did you handle it? How can you invite Jesus into your emotional experiences today?

Day 3: Normalizing Mental Health Struggles

Mental health issues are a part of life and do not define our faith or identity. Our identity is in Christ, and we should not let our struggles determine our worth or ability to serve God. Understanding that mental health struggles are normal can help us to approach them with grace and compassion, both for ourselves and for others.

By recognizing that mental health struggles do not diminish our value or our faith, we can better support one another in our journeys. Our identity in Christ means that we are loved and valued regardless of our struggles. This understanding can help us to extend grace to ourselves and others, fostering a community of acceptance and support. [55:20]

2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

Reflection: Think about a mental health struggle you have faced. How has it impacted your view of yourself? How can you remind yourself of your identity in Christ today?

Day 4: The Church as a Place of Healing

The church should be a place of support and healing, not judgment. We are called to care for one another, reflecting the love and compassion of Jesus, much like the Good Samaritan cared for the injured man. By creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment, the church can be a place where individuals find healing and hope.

When the church embodies the love and compassion of Jesus, it becomes a sanctuary for those who are hurting. By offering practical support and a listening ear, we can help to alleviate the burdens of those struggling with mental health issues. This approach not only reflects the heart of Jesus but also strengthens the community as a whole. [01:15:51]

Galatians 6:2 (ESV): "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

Reflection: Consider someone in your church community who may be struggling. How can you offer them support and compassion this week?

Day 5: God's Presence in Our Struggles

Whatever we are experiencing, God is faithful and present. Our emotions and struggles do not separate us from God. He is with us in the highs and lows, guiding and protecting us. This assurance of God's presence can provide comfort and strength as we navigate the challenges of life.

Knowing that God is with us in our struggles can help us to face them with courage and hope. His faithfulness means that we are never alone, even in our darkest moments. By leaning on God's presence, we can find the strength to persevere and the peace that comes from knowing we are loved and cared for. [01:07:59]

Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Reflection: Reflect on a current struggle you are facing. How can you invite God's presence into this situation? What steps can you take to lean on His strength and guidance today?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we gathered to celebrate the love and mercy of Jesus Christ, who sees beyond our flaws and embraces us as His beloved children. We prayed for our community and the global church, asking God to use us as agents of His mercy and blessings. The focus of today's message was on mental health, a topic often stigmatized within the church. I shared my personal journey with mental health struggles, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and being open about our challenges. This openness creates a welcoming environment where others feel safe to share their struggles and find hope.

We explored how the church has historically mishandled mental health issues, often advising people to "pray harder" rather than offering practical support. This approach is not scriptural. Jesus Himself experienced a range of emotions, from anger to grief, showing us that it is not a sin to struggle mentally. Mental health issues are normal and do not indicate a lack of faith or sin. Our identity is not defined by our struggles but by our relationship with Jesus Christ.

We discussed the importance of not suppressing our emotions, as doing so can hinder our ability to experience joy. Emotions are a part of the human experience, and God is with us in both the highs and lows. The church should be a place of support and healing, not judgment. We are called to be like the Good Samaritan, caring for those who are hurting and providing a safe space for healing.

In conclusion, mental health struggles are a part of life, but they do not define us. Our identity is in Christ, and the church should be a place where people can find support and love. Let us be a community that cares for one another, reflecting the love and compassion of Jesus.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Openness About Mental Health: Sharing our mental health struggles openly can create a welcoming environment where others feel safe to share their own challenges. This openness fosters a community of support and hope, breaking down the stigma often associated with mental health issues. [45:57]
2. Jesus Experienced Emotions: Jesus Himself experienced a range of emotions, from anger to grief, showing us that it is not a sin to struggle mentally. His example teaches us that emotions are a normal part of the human experience and do not indicate a lack of faith. [50:17]
3. Mental Health Struggles Are Normal: Mental health issues are a part of life and do not define our faith or identity. Our identity is in Christ, and we should not let our struggles determine our worth or ability to serve God. [55:20]
4. The Church as a Place of Healing: The church should be a place of support and healing, not judgment. We are called to care for one another, reflecting the love and compassion of Jesus, much like the Good Samaritan cared for the injured man. [75:51]
5. God is With Us in Our Struggles: Whatever we are experiencing, God is faithful and present. Our emotions and struggles do not separate us from God. He is with us in the highs and lows, guiding and protecting us. [01:07:59]
### [67:59]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:30] - Opening Prayer
[01:45] - Global Community Prayer
[03:00] - Mission of the Church
[04:30] - Worship and Praise
[05:45] - Personal Story of Mental Health
[29:35] - Importance of Seeking Help
[33:34] - Openness in the Church
[43:30] - Jesus and Emotions
[50:17] - Mental Health Struggles Are Normal
[55:20] - Identity in Christ
[61:16] - Mental Illness and Sin
[67:59] - God is With Us
[75:51] - The Church as a Place of Healing
[78:35] - Call to Care for Others
[79:30] - Closing and Announcements

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What emotions did Jesus experience according to the sermon? ([50:17])
How does Psalm 23 describe God's presence in our lives during difficult times?
What actions did the Good Samaritan take to help the injured man? ([01:15:11])
According to the sermon, how has the church historically mishandled mental health issues? ([46:57])

Interpretation Questions

Why is it significant that Jesus experienced a range of emotions, including grief and anger? ([50:17])
How does Psalm 23 provide comfort and assurance to those struggling with mental health issues?
What does the story of the Good Samaritan teach us about how we should respond to those who are hurting? ([01:15:11])
How can the church create a more supportive and open environment for discussing mental health struggles? ([45:57])

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed or struggled with your mental health. How did you cope, and what support did you receive? ([44:23])
Jesus experienced a range of emotions. How does knowing this impact your view of your own emotional struggles? ([50:17])
In what ways can you be more open about your mental health struggles to create a welcoming environment for others? ([45:57])
How can you support someone in your community who is struggling with mental health issues? What practical steps can you take? ([01:15:51])
Psalm 23 speaks of God's presence in both good and bad times. How can you remind yourself of God's presence during your low moments?
The Good Samaritan showed compassion and took action to help the injured man. How can you embody this kind of compassion in your daily life? ([01:15:11])
What changes can your small group make to ensure it is a place of support and healing for those dealing with mental health issues? ([45:57])

Sermon Clips

1. "I began to recognize that it's okay to get help when you're struggling. When your mental health isn't doing well. Another thing that I chose to do was to be open about it. And so if you've come to this church much over the years, you've heard me share about some of the challenges with my own mental health. And we've had mental health seminars. You've heard Pastor Ewen's wife, Rachel, and share her mental health journey here as well. And one of the great things about doing that is that in our openness it allows others to be open." [45:00] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "See, the fact of the matter is, is that the church throughout its history has had a hard time with the concept of mental illness. It hasn't been our favorite topic. And so as we start this new series here called Let's Talk About It, Stigmas in the Church, I wanted to start with mental health because there was a time where if someone was struggling, they'd get told to pray harder. There was a time where if you're paying attention, you're going to get told to pray harder." [46:57] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "What I need you all to hear today is that it is not a sin. It is not a sin to struggle. It is not a sin to struggle. If you look through Scripture and you point something out to me that says, no, no, see, see, that says that it's a sin to struggle mentally, I will look at you and ask you to read the rest of what's around that verse because you're taking it out of context. Scripture does not tell us that it's a sin to struggle. In fact, a range of emotions is healthy. It's normal." [50:17] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "How you feel doesn't determine your faith. If you're in a low point right now, and you're just feeling depressed, maybe you've been depressed for months, and you just can't get out of it, you might be thinking to yourself, God just doesn't want to be around me. No, he never left you. How you feel doesn't determine your faith. Faith is believing in spite of your feelings and taking action despite your circumstances." [55:20] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Friends, we all have times of struggle. We all have times of grief, stress, fear. We all have times where we feel attacked and targeted, right? See, what you need to understand is that mental health struggles are normal. Now, they're not things that we should make excuses about. Like, I really appreciate Pastor Ewen's generation, Gen Z, in that they recognize the importance of knowing that there are mental health struggles." [56:10] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Just because somebody shares with you that they're struggling with their mental health doesn't mean that you should be like, so what did you do wrong? In fact, it's the exact opposite. You should say, how can I pray for you? How can I support you? How can I love you? There's no direct cause and effect between sin and mental illness. You also need to understand mental illness is not a thing of your identity." [01:01:16] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Our identity when we follow Jesus is in Christ. He is our identity. He is greater than all else. That's the reason why we can say that however you are feeling, whatever inclinations you have for the person that you're attracted to, whatever it might be, it doesn't matter at the end of the day because that's not your identity. Jesus is your identity. And when something goes against the identity of Christ revealed to us in scripture, we can say, listen, it doesn't matter my feelings." [01:02:31] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "So that's why it's so important for you to understand that your mental health doesn't determine your outcome or your faith. The goal is not to suppress your emotions. See, if you suppress your sadness, if you suppress your anger, you're also suppressing the ability to have joy. Because it's in the valleys that we learn to appreciate the high times. Did you know it's another sort of mental disorder if everything is just always even? It is. If you don't experience a range of emotions, it's another kind of disorder." [01:04:57] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "So whatever you're going through, I don't want you to think to yourself, because I'm anxious, because I'm depressed today, God isn't with me. No, He is. Or I can't accomplish what God has for me. No, you can. You can accomplish what He has for you because He just wants you to be in His presence. He just wants you to follow the words of Scripture. Wherever you are with sadness or grief or anger or joy, the will of God is that you're just in that place with Him." [01:06:15] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "Friends, you need to understand God is with you. Whatever you're experiencing, God is faithful. Whatever your past, whatever your genetics, whatever your emotions, God is with you. He sees you. There's a woman caught in adultery and she's dragged in front of Jesus. Jewish law has said that, that that's a really bad thing, that there was supposed to be death that happened there. But in practice, that's something that hadn't really been done in a long time." [01:07:59] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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