Mental health, Psychology and the Bible (Part A)

The Bible is not only the greatest love story ever written, but it guides and encourages us in our faith.

Our mental and physical health is often affected because we are not perfect because of the Fall. It’s never the individual’s fault for mental or physical illnesses.

The way we fall ill, or break, is affected by gene expression, according to epigenetics.

In the Bible Elijah fell ill with depression (1 Kings 19). God ministered to him not with admonishment or a peptalk, but by providing food, water, and sleep! When God did speak with him it was in a gentle whisper.

Often with Clinical Depression, comes self-harming, and this too is found in the Bible, where Job scrapped his skin with broken pottery, in anguish at how he was suffering. (Job 1.8)

Sometimes life feels overwhelming and sometimes people feel they can’t go on. In the Bible (Mark 14.33-34) Jesus “began to be deeply distressed and troubled. ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow, to the point of death.’ He said.” Was Jesus at that moment wishing he were dead, rather than having to face the gruesome ordeal of his execution on the cross?

“He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering and familiar with pain.” (Isaiah 53.3)

“Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering” (Isaiah 53.4.)

Jesus has already experienced all human pain and anguish, so he can identify with us, as he comforts us!

“In all their distress, he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old.” (Isaiah 63.9)

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41.10)

All Bible quotations are from the NIV.
Copyright © 2024 Susie Scott Kydd.