Bible Verses about Mental Health

Mental health is an emotional term that affects the behavior of a person, and social well-being. Mental health affects the person in two different ways, positively, to be strong and negatively making them weak, and depressed. This affects the daily lifestyle, health and relationships. Few bible verses, given that, treat the mental health that we see in the later writings. Stress, anxiety, eating disorders, addictive nature, etc. fall under weak mental health, that disrupts one’s routine. People have their contrasting mental health concerns from time to time. This concern becomes an illness when they affect the abilities to function.

Ability to enjoy one’s life has a deep concern with mental health. It is not only staying away from daily activities and active conditions but also staying happy and looking after their wellness.

Talks on mental health, became more prevalent in our society these days. According to the research reported, 1 in every 5 American adults suffers from mental illness. Which means, 4 adults are with good mental health and one among every 5 suffer from mental illness. This count, exceeding from year to year. The one who is concerned with this issue is not the only one suffering from mental illness. Openly speaking, many people suffer from low mental health are not known. This issue will allow all of us to share the struggle, and care for each other.

Bible’s saying about mental health

Be it, anyone, people desperately need love and support. Being Christians, not as a follower of religion but as the followers of Christ that shows the way of life, can guide people to good mental health. Bible verses be at the front line of mental health care. Many do not realise the fact, people dealing with mental illness reach to church more than with physical illness. The verse noted in the bible that “We are part of the solution to these health crises” reminds us that cure is in our hands. Low mental health is common in everyone and responding to others suffering through the bible is the work we are to do. A false belief on low mental health must be replaced by the truth, a characteristic that Christ’s followers should own. Doing the God-given mission is not just go to preach, it involves in helping the hurting people. This is only done by the challenge that bible verses do to overcome low mental health.

Even when life seems hopeless, we can have one reason to hope with the bible verses. This trust comes from the belief and believing in God’s redemption requires tremendous trust.

It is very important to understand where mental health come from? reasons for its occurrence, and how to fight against it?. It is more important to search them on the right platform. Bible specifically addressed in its verses about mental illness, providing real solutions. Mental health maintained when we humble ourselves before God that paves our way to recovery from illness.

Spirituality and mental health the most concerning topics in the present society. This concern is increasing as mental problems occur because of tensions, anxiety, failure, and frustration in life. Spirituality, encountered with The Almighty and total surrender of one’s self to him. Mental health in terms of bible verses consists of secular and spiritual mental health that every believer who is in Christ knew.

Early warnings of mental health

Mental health affects the way we feel, think, and act. Below mentioned symptoms are early signs of mental health.

  • Eat or sleep very little or too much
  • Tend to stay alone, away from the people and their daily activities
  • Feeling low or less energetic
  • Act numb like don’t care condition in any circumstances
  • Suffer from internal pains that are explainable
  • Feel hopeless
  • Addicts to smoking, drinking alcohol, or to drugs
  • Always stay in low mind, forget things, confused, upset, etc.
  • Yell more than required for every small thing
  • Stay in their memories and can’t get rid of them from the mind
  • Tend to harm themselves
  • Feels satisfying when hurting themselves
  • Enjoy the pain, etc.

The corruption of God’s creation, i.e.; our bodies one of the consequences of fall. In the parable of Good Samaritan, Jesus gave an example of how one should care for their physical need. Irrespective of age, the enemy has a stronghold in our lives, the time we find ourselves in the above-mentioned conditions. Mental health problems are common, but their help is available in The Bible. There are bible verses that deal with mental health at every stage of life. 2 Corinthians 10:5 says “casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ”

Where does mental health come from?

Mental health, very clearly explained through The Bible. In the book of Deuteronomy, the bible verse clearly explains where mental illness comes from.

Deuteronomy 28:25 says “But it shall come to pass, if you do not obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe all His commandments and His statutes which I command you today that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you”:

This type of curses is promises or oaths, said by the priests and declared by the people, saying “Amen- so be it” promised to stay away from wrong actions. People took responsibility for their actions. Anyone who observes this, get to their mind that God has a bad temper towards the one who steps out of the line. But we need to see them as loving warnings about the facts of life, just as we are children to stay away from fire or not to rush in a busy street. God is so merciful to tell us the truth plainly that bad mental health is a curse.

This is something very important for every one of us to know and to understand the nature of God. God gave his scriptures as guidance to his children on a daily basis. God did this to help them, not to lead themselves to destruction.

Some Bible verses for mental health

1 Peter 5:7 casting all your anxieties on him, for he cares for you.

Carrying our stress, pain, anxiety, suffering and daily struggles shows that we did not trust God fully in our lives. Many times struggles, caused by our own that lead to the destruction of mental health, but when we turn to God in repentance, he will bear the weight that, caused by us. We should not submit ourselves to circumstances but the one who controls them.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

We find temporary peace in the world that deepens our mental health. The end result of the Holy Spirit’s work in everyone’s life is deep and lasting peace. We don’t need to fear anything in Christ’s peace. An impossible thing said in the bible is to never worry. All of us have worries in our homes, workplace, etc. One of Paul’s advice through the bible verse is to worry less. So pray more for mental health as God’s peace is different from the world. Positive thinking, no conflicts, good feeling, etc. True peace doesn’t come from these. It comes from knowing that God is in control and we can have victory over sin.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given the spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind.

A sound mind is an outcome of good mental health. As a leader, Timothy was facing great opposition to his message. Paul urged him to be daring and bold as the power of the Holy Spirit can help us overcome our fear, depression, the loneliness that come from low mental health. We will see in the latter article the characteristics of effective Christian, the fruit of the spirit exist only when the Holy Spirit lives in us.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Hopelessness, anger, pain are the sufferings of bad mental health. It is given in the bible verse about mental health that Christ strengths everyone who suffers. The power we receive in union with Christ is sufficient to overcome all the sufferings, challenges that arise and low mental health. One who suffers should detach themselves from the non-essentials so that they can concentrate on eternal things. We will face troubles, pressure, trails as we contend for the faith and as they come, ask Christ to strengthen you.

Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its things. Sufficient for the day is its trouble.

Planning for tomorrow is the time well spent whereas, worrying about it is of time waste, difficult sometimes to tell the difference. Thinking ahead of goals and schedules is careful planning and trusting in God’s guidance. Planning for things ahead does not lead to worry. Worry; come from fear and when people find it difficult to trust God. We should not let the worries about tomorrow affect our relationship with God.

Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you;

Be not dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you,

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

God has chosen the people of Israel through Abraham, because God wanted to, not because the people deserve it. Though God chose the Israelites to represent him to the world, they failed to do it. So God punished them and sent them into captivity. Today, all the believers are God’s chosen people and everybody should share the responsibility of representing him to the rest of the world. So by our acts, we must show Christ, strengthen people and make them feel not to fear as God is with us. We should be a role model to the people who are in distress mental health as said in the bible verse, that God will uphold us with His righteous right hand.

Matthew 11:28-30 come to me, all you who labour and are heavily laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

A yoke, heavy, wooden equipment that fits over the shoulder of an ox or oxen, attached to something that oxen are to pull. People may carry burdens of sin, persecution, fear of something, depression due to various situations. God frees people from all these burdens and he promises to love, healing, and peace to his children. Relationship with God changes meaningless mental health into spiritual productivity and purpose drove good mind.

Isaiah 26:3 you will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you. Because he trusts in you.

We can never avoid strife in the world around us; still, we can find perfect peace in any situations. Our whole life becomes steady and stable, once we devote our lives to God through his unchanging love and mighty power. Keep your thoughts and trust in God to have good mental health and will never be shaken by the surrounding chaos.

John 16:33 these things I have spoken to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.

We see continuous tensions with unbelieving people in the world; this is due to out of synchronisation with Christ. At the same time for the believers, we can expect our relationship with Christ to produce peace and comfort as we are in sync with him. In these chapters, Jesus told to his disciples that, in spite of inevitable struggles they face, they will never be alone. Some problems in our lives are due to disobedience, that doesn’t mean God forgot us. He just lets us into some things for us to go closer and grow spiritually in him. Our mental health always monitored by God must come out of the negative ones to have a better living.

Proverbs 15:3 the eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and good

Sometimes we see no way out thinking is God slow? Or did he leave us? But at times it seems that God lets evil run in the world and his children’s lives, we wonder if he even notices it. But God, aware of evil intentions and he sees evil actions, everything clearly. He cares for us and is active all the time. At present in our lives, his work may act as unseen and unfelt but don’t give up as one day God wipes out evil and punish the evildoers. But the one who is still, waiting for his work to fulfil, be rewarded eternally.

Romans 8:6 to set the mind on the flesh are death, but spiritually minded is life and peace.

The mental state of weak mind deals with earthly desires. Paul segregates people into two categories- those e who allow themselves under the control of their sinful nature and those who follow the Holy Spirit. If Jesus has not set our way right, leading with his spirit, all of us belongs to the first category. God’s way brings peace into our lives. Use the bible verses to discover mental health through God’s guidance.

Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Imagine, never being anxious for anything- this seems like an impossible thing for the people. We all have worries, and Paul here in this bible verse for mental health, advise us to turn our worries into prayer. To worry less, every one of us has to pray more. If a person is worried or angry for anything or lacking peace, let them made known to God. He will guard our hearts and mind providing peace.

Ephesians 5: 18 do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit.

Wine provides a temporary peace as said by researchers. Here in the verse Paul contrasts getting drunk with wine that produces a temporary high feeling of filled with the spirit. This is the old way of life and selfish desires which is not lasting. But in Christ, we have a higher joy that lasts longer. It cures our depression, tension, unknown anger, all the weakness of mental health. As the addicts go, children of God should submit themselves daily to The Lord leading and drawing closer constantly with his power.

Ephesians 4:23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind,

Our past, or our old days before we accept Christ must put it behind as we throw away our old clothes. This done once, we accept Christ as our saviour- Salvation. Salvation is a one-step process but we need daily continuous commitment- sanctification, a lifelong process. We must put on a new role once we get salvation, put our heads in the new direction, and have a new way of thinking that Holy Spirit gives.

Psalm 34:17 the righteous cry out, and the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.

Some among us like to be depressed and others often wish to escape troubles- the pain of grief, loss, sorrow, and failure or even the small frustration they face in their daily life that bring them down. In this bible verse referring to mental health, God promised to be near to those who have a broken heart. He provides a source of power to overcome, courage and wisdom, helping them through the problems. When troubles strikes, don’t get frustrated with God, instead admit yourself to him as you need his help and thank God for being on your side.

Genesis 18:14 is anything too hard for the Lord?

The all-time answer is Of course not! This question reveals the true power of God. We must make it a habit to insert this question in every circumstance. The habit we try to break, the false relations that we want to get rid of, our depressions, bad terms towards people, etc. Is it hard for God to make them possible? This verse reminds us that all things are possible for the lord.

Psalm 94:19 in the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul.

We have many doubts and questions for the Lord, that why did he allow a particular thing/ incident in our life. Same is the case with psalmist here; his multitudes of anxieties were more of doubts and questions about God’s justice. Much as we have seen in our world today, most of the evil doings- corrupt government and betraying people that leads them to low mental health.

Nobody wishes to worry all day, but we face various pressures that life takes us into. The bible verse about mental health says that God is our only reliance when we feel worried. He, the only person can make us worry-free. Until Adam and Eve betrayed God they didn’t feel worried if we look back to that incident. Same is the case with all of us if we go far from God, we sin and live in Satan’s domain gradually we lose peace and obsess our self to worry.

1 Peter 5:10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

When we are in suffering our mind gets more weaken. We often feel like the pain never had before and it will never end. Peter, in these verses, gave these faithful Christians the wider perspective. In comparison with eternity, the worldly pain and suffering would last only a while. We are to strengthen ourselves and delivered from these worldly sufferings and stay with good mental health. All of God’s faithful followers, assured with eternal life with Christ where there is no suffering.

2 Thessalonians 2:11 and for this reason, God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie

God gives freedom to his children to turn their back on him and to believe Satan’s lies. We the children of God should know what is right and what is wrong and this, only done through the Holy Spirit when it works in us. If they say no to the truth they face consequences in their life.

Psalm 41:3 the Lord will strengthen him on his bed of illness, you will sustain him on his sickbed.

Bible verses often describe that God cares for the weak, poor and needy, and his blessing are on those who care and concern for them. As God has freely given salvation to us, he expects us to reflect him through us to others who are in need. As he has blessed us, we should bless others and be a blessing to many. Being God’s children we must take control of the one suffering from low mental health. Wee responsible to mentor them.

Psalm 56:11 in God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?

God cares for his children in deepest sorrow. God even knows the number of hair count on our head. Often we stammer between faith and fear, sometimes thinking no one can understand our problems and sufferings. Then, remember God knows everything about us and sees every tear that comes out of our eye.

John 10:10 the thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly.

God gives life in contrast to the thief, low mental health that takes life. The affected mental health destroys one’s wellbeing therefore sometimes force them to end up the life. These suicidal tendencies are not from God. When we pave a way for Satan to rule the life it paves a way for us to see the end at the wrong time. The life God gave is abundantly richer and fuller. We live in eternal life.

1 John 4:4 you are of God, little children, and have overcome them because He who is in you is greater than he who is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming and is now already in the world.

Like false prophets from the Old Testament, false preachers are popular in the world. John wars to all the believers/ Christians who fully teach God’s word will not win any popularity contests in the world. Non- Christians will receive false teachers than more of believers.

Other Bible verses related to mental health, mentioned below

  • Joshua 1:9 have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you are.
  • Luke 1:37 for with God nothing is impossible.
  • Jeremiah 17:9 the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick, who can understand it?
  • Psalm 147:3 he heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds
  • Psalm 120:1 a song of ascents, in my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me.

Bible can lead to good mental health and wellness

People surviving with mental health require making changes in their lifestyle to ease wellness. They need to take time to sort out their relationship issues. Verses from the bible allow people to have positive mental health. They could be:

  • Overcome stress in their life
  • Do productive work in any circumstances
  • Understand their potential
  • Connect with people
  • Make good contributions to their society
  • Get physically active
  • Stay positive
  • Stay joyous

Galatians 5: 22-25 says… “But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such, there is no law. And those who are in Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the spirit, let us also walk in the spirit.”

Spirit in this bible verse produces mental health and character traits, found in the nature of Christ. Mental health is a by-product of Christ’s control i.e.; we can’t obtain them without God’s help. God who set the law also set the spirit and spirit-filled lives, live in perfect harmony with God’s law. The one, who evince the fruit of the spirit, fulfils God’s law superior to the one who observes the rituals. We are to nail our sinful nature that affects our mental health to the cross to accept Christ as our Saviour. We must daily, moment by moment draw on the spirit’s power and commit our sinful tendencies to God.

Conclusion

These bible verses are a good relaxing technique to set everything perfect in life. Many times, depression, anxiety, fear, connected to our disobedience towards God. As we all know, those who trust in Christ have freedom from condemnation for their sins (fear, anger, anxiety, and depression). God gives his children a measure of time to set things right. He restores us by his love-kindness and tremendous mercy. This is when we chose to follow his ways. If a person is spiritually sound, he/she is mentally healthy.

A final word- You are not alone. God’s children suffered mentally, emotionally, physically etc so as the Christ on the cross saying “my Lord, my God why have you forsaken me?” we suffer but we are not alone.

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Motivation,

Last Update: September 26, 2020