Sadly, I don’t need to read an article or the latest statistics to believe that mental health struggles are prevalent in our society. I have seen family members in the grips of addiction, heard the stories of friends with histories of complex mental illness, and experienced anxiety myself. Why do these things happen? And why do they seem worse now?
Mental health struggles, regardless of their severity, can be shrouded in mystery. After all, we are intricate creatures, fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps. 139:14). It can be difficult to know where to turn and how to find help because of our limited understanding of some of these issues. Furthermore, as Christians, we can often be filled with shame and keep silent in the midst of our broken mental health because we feel it’s an indictment on the strength of our faith.
“Finding Rest in the Wilderness” is crafted for the Christian plagued by these thoughts; for the mom who wants to know how to help her teen, for the pastor who wants to care for his congregation, and for the church that wants to be a refuge for the hurting. We may not all have the professional medical knowledge about our mental health problems, but we do have intimate knowledge of the Lord who created us. And we can point others to the reality that he knows and understands us (Rom. 8:27) and sent his Son as the answer to the sin and suffering of our fallen world.
He walks with us in our darkness, comforts us in our trials, and gives us the assurance that our pain is not permanent.
Though defining mental health is complicated, in this issue of Light, authors Brad Hambrick and Lilly Park, both counselors, provide general definitions and characteristics of mental health, as well as discuss the connection with our spiritual health. Joseph Hussung gives guidance on understanding the term “mental illness” as we think about caring for the loved ones in our lives affected by it. In addition, you will read testimonies of those who have lived in addiction or depression and witnessed the power of God at work in their lives. And you will receive insights on reducing the stigma of mental health in your church and tips on how to care for those who have experienced trauma. Throughout all of the articles, one message is clear: because of Jesus, no one is without hope or help.
Unfortunately, issues related to mental health will continue to plague our fallen bodies. Solutions may be hard to come by, and individual’s stories might seem derailed by such difficult disruptions, but the Savior who is sympathetic with our suffering will not abandon his good work in us (Phil. 1:6). Though we may cry, “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?” (Ps. 42:5), it will not be the final word. Instead, the Lord, in his Word, makes us this promise: “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you” (1 Pet. 5:10).
Lindsay Nicolet
Managing Editor, Light Magazine
This letter is from the Winter 2024 issue of Light magazine, Finding Rest in the Wilderness: Hope and Help for Mental Health Struggles.
