In the past several years, it seems that we have all hit a boiling point with stress. At the same time, there have been profound discoveries about the mind, body and spirit connections that were not common knowledge until recently. Things like telomeres that reveal the biological connection between disease and stress, the ways that the body keeps the score of our emotional pain, and self-regulation strategies for when we feel out of control, are a few popular conversations people are having about mental and emotional well-being.
Both personally and professionally, these discoveries are fascinating to me. Even more fascinating are the ways that God’s word has always given us instruction in this area. It seems we are just beginning to understand what He’s been saying all along. Jesus wasn’t immune to extreme stress; in fact, He sweat blood (Luke 22:44). In a time when people are desperately looking for truth, these are some verses that provide instruction for what to do when we don’t know what to do or where to turn. Psalm 16 points us to the Counselor we can find in God. Jeremiah 17:10 gives us instruction about our minds (also translated- kidneys). 2 Timothy 1:7 tells us how to confront fear. John 16:33 is honest about the trouble we will face in the world, but reminds us how to take heart. And, John 14:26 reveals the Helper who is always available to us who believe. These are only a few of the many verses in God’s word that reveal His truth about the mental and
emotional pain we confront in this life. This part of who we are as people is important to God and His design. We must press into His truth as we seek wellness.
By: Joy Howard
~ Christ Fellowship