Welcome to Hank’s Place
Last Hank’s Place I shared that there is a mental health crisis in the church. And the world. Millions on meds. Millions suffering from anxiety, depression – hopelessness. So many going suicidal.
What can we do? I’d shared the mystery in Col 1:26-27 – Christ in us, the hope of glory and urged you to let that hope – and you have it because Christ is in you if you are a believer – let that hope arise in yourself – and Come Alive!
Mental illness – something in the mind not working as it was intended. May I draw your attention to Eph 6 and the armor of God. Is the head mentioned? Yes it is! Eph 6:17. Take up the helmet of salvation. In 1Th 5:8 Paul urges us to put on a helmet, called the hope of salvation. This is why I’m convinced that HOPE plays such a large part in issues of the mind.
Helping others – or yourself – to let hope arise – hope means a better tomorrow is on its way – will do well in alleviating, improving, one’s mental well being.
People suffering mental illness invariably pull away, withdraw. But everyone has need of community. Community: not isolated. Community: where others are experiencing similar issues. Where others understand, and support. Where people help one another put on that helmet, the hope of salvation. Hope is real and we all need it.
Think of Mark 2:1-12. A paralytic came to Jesus. No, wait! He couldn’t come; he was paralyzed. Four friends brought him – despite difficulties. They dug a hole in the roof of the home and lowered the paralytic to Jesus. Now catch this: it says Jesus, seeing THEIR Faith – the faith of the 4 friends – said to the paralytic, first, your sins are forgiven, and second, rise, take up your pallet and walk.
There are many take-aways here.
How about: don’t tell someone with mental illness that they need more faith – use yours!
How about: don’t tell someone they must have unconfessed sin in their lives – ask God to forgive any sin if present!
How about: it’s not your job to ‘fix it’ – rather how about helping someone get into the presence of the Lord and so Jesus can fix it? He is good at fixing – everything!
Yep, when you are before Jesus, good things happen: people COME ALIVE!
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