“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord rescues them from them all.”
Psalm 34: 18-19
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, which reminds us to pay attention to something we often ignore: our mental and emotional health.
There has always been an undeserved stigma associated with mental health. As if struggling means you are weak, not trying hard enough, not good enough, or that you lack faith. We have been told that faithful people should always feel strong, but Scripture tells us a more honest story.
Our scripture from Psalms 34 tells us that the righteous still have afflictions. The faithful still feel crushed at times. Bad things still happen to good people, and we see honest reactions in scripture.
Elijah got burnt-out and wanted to die. David pours out his anxiety, fear, and depression in the Psalms. Even Jesus, our God made flesh felt deep anguish in the garden, so much so that he sweat blood. Struggle is not a sign that something is wrong with your faith. It is part of being human. And God is there with you. He is there with you in the middle of it all.
So, I urge you to take mental health seriously. Check in on one another. Check in with yourself and speak honestly with your feelings. Seek help when needed. (Your Pastor is here!) You do not have to carry everything yourself. God is near to the brokenhearted. That means no one walks through this alone.
Prayer
Almighty and Loving God, You see us fully and love us completely and draw near to us in every struggle. Help us care for our minds and hearts with honesty and grace. Draw near to those who feel overwhelmed, anxious, or weary. Bring peace to troubled minds and rest to tired hearts. Give us courage to seek help and grace to walk with one another without judgment. Remind us that we are never alone and always held in your care. Amen.
Pastor Dennis