By Nancy Virden (c)2023

Mental Health is understood these days as feelings of satisfaction across all parts of our emotional, relational, thinking, and spiritual lives.

Of course, feeling good is not the only requisite for being a healthy-minded person.

One person may be very unhealthy and content in a relationship while his abused partner is on her emotional deathbed. Another person may experience a sense of well-being while refusing to correct her prejudices and hate. Those she harms with her sinful words and choices suffer challenges to their mental health. Subtleties are all around us; people can feel well and be carriers of misery.

With this view, we can see that mental health is not evidence of a God-honoring and faith-filled life. In the same way, neither is mental illness the proof of a rotten heart.

 Romans 12-2a esv

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…

Shalom is a Hebrew word that means more than feeling satisfied, but actually being complete, belonging, whole, and peaceful. We do not experience this perfectly because we live in a world that has for millennia largely chosen selfish will over the will of God. We can live in Shalom in increasing measure if we choose to allow transformation by changing how we think.

At varying levels, we are prevented from experiencing shalom by isolation, fear, abuse, addictions, avoidance, brain injuries, chronic illness, chronic pain, chemical imbalances, co-dependencies, denial, obsession with instant gratification, lack of meaningful connections, trauma, and many other unfortunate behaviors or circumstances. This is the way of the world. We can change what we can, and learn to reframe what we cannot change.

Romans 12: 2b esv

… that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Our worldview can improve. Once we begin to step away from the ways of the world, we will know more happiness. Is this a guarantee of mental health? I do not think so. Yet even in our struggles with imperfect bodies and brains, I know we can have more of what God wants for us. Our human strength will not be enough, but by relying on God’s love and power, through faith in Jesus, we will see change.

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

More of Romans 12 nlt

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong … Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying … Bless those who persecute you. Don’t curse them; pray that God will bless them…Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable… Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speaks only from personal experience and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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