A Checkup From The Neck Up

Today I want us to do a checkup from the neck up! We are thinking today about mental health. You would want to know something about the Bible regarding this subject. The prophets of the Old Testament, along with the writers of the New Testament, were concerned about mental health and emotional well-being because they believed God was concerned about it. There is a mountain of instruction on this subject in the Bible. In this amazing abundance of material, you find positive solutions to dealing with negative emotions.

In general, the perspective of the biblical writers was that even in the most difficult and trying experiences, God’s people are able to rise above these circumstances. They could escape defeat by them. In the biblical view, circumstances alone do not lead to depression, but rather it is the person’s attitude toward them that serve as the determining factor on whether the person will succumb to them.

Today, we all know that our attitudes affect our emotions and that our emotions affect our actions. Practically speaking, if our attitudes are those of self-pity, fear, anger, and anxiety, then over time we are going to be emotionally unhealthy. If we are emotionally unhealthy, then our daily lives will be diminished, our relationships damaged, and our view of life distorted. The key to happy, healthy and wholesome living is a positive attitude. The Bible teaches a positive attitude is rooted in an unwavering faith in God. The overall invitation of scripture is to fill your mind, emotions, heart and life with a positive faith and absolute confidence in the Lord.

The great promise of scripture is that through a relationship with Jesus, we can have not only peace with God but we can have the peace of God. This certainly includes peace of mind. So let me ask you this important question: What would you be willing to pay to have peace of mind? Well, the good news is that Jesus has already purchased for you the right to it and the ownership of it. It is now yours to claim daily in your walk with Him. Trust God, walk with Him daily, and go in peace!

I invite you to meditate with me on this today:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, with prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:6-9).

Thank God for the peace of God!

Devotedly yours,
Pastor Ron