By Nancy Virden (c)2023

Mental health is a gift and blessing that can greatly improve when we follow instructions. Promises from God (via the Holy Bible) include:

• peace beyond understanding
• a humble attitude (not better than anyone)
• insight into your own needs and flaws
• insight into the needs of others
• relationships that work
• wisdom (good judgment and healthy thinking)
• zero fear of death

Does that sound appealing? Then why do so many people who claim to be followers of Christ know so little about the Word of God? People who have been in the faith for decades will read very little of the Bible, leaving them ignorant and weak.

Reading God’s message is not a guarantee of anything. However, it grows our faith as we mature into receiving some of those promises.

Knowing the words of God has freed me from long, dark pathways. For one example, I used to be self-righteous and literally thought I was holier-than-thou. God’s Spirit was able to convict me of that sin because of the Word in my mind. Some folks never grow their faith to where it changes anything about them at all!

As for relationships, you might wonder what a divorced woman could possibly say. This: It takes two. As for being a person who can still struggle with bipolar moods, is God failing me? No! He has walked me through numerous lessons, patiently helping me to learn how to cope well. I do not claim to have perfectly obeyed his wisdom. For many years, I did not. The slowness of my learning is a mix of emotional immaturity, stubbornness, refusal to seek help, and running the Bible through a filter of what I would accept or not. Finally, giving up my will for God’s will has brought mental healing.

If you wonder why some self-proclaimed Christians never seem to change, this is why. They are not teachable or have areas of thinking that will take longer to mend.

Christians, read it! Study it! Be God’s student and live your best life.

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

2 Timothy 3:16-17 nlt

 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

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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