When My Mental Health Is SufferingSample

Are you finding yourself in the pits of despair?  It’s a dark place I’ve become all too familiar with in the past. Perhaps you are feeling that your situation - maybe even your battle with mental health itself - is hopeless.  That your tunnel doesn't come with a light at the end of it.

Many heroes of faith faced the same type of despair and anguish you’re feeling today. Job, as he lost everything (Job 3:26), David as he struggled with his weaknesses (Psalm 38:4), Elijah while on the run from Jezebel (1 Kings 19:4). Even Jesus sweat blood in anguish over his looming death and separation from God (Luke 22:44). Take heart in knowing you are not alone.

And be encouraged. What we focus on grows.  Despair is often driven by our thoughts focusing on our struggles and obstacles.   So as we intentionally switch our focus - from despair to our God-given right to live in joyful confidence in Him - we begin to ignite that light in our tunnel. The Psalms are a beautiful illustration of how David kept bringing God’s love and mercy back into focus despite his battles with despair. 

Focusing on how God has helped us overcome in the past - because He has - and His promise to be with us now is the very renewing of our minds that Paul calls us to do in Romans 12:2. It is moving our thoughts from being feelings, which lead to being shaped by the truth of the word of God.

The Promise

“We are hard-pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

The Affirmation

I will not let my feelings drive me -  for my God is greater than any circumstance.

The Prayer

Dear God, I do feel pressed.  Struck down. Anguished.  Overcome by the darkness of despair. I do not want to live in this place though, God.  I want to live in the joy that has been promised to me. Help me to move my focus from my situation to my salvation.  From my feelings to my faith. From my trial to my ultimate triumph.  It’s hard to renew my mind.  I battle my mind constantly.  Strengthen me, guide me, and remind me to keep my focus fixed on you.  Thank you, Jesus. Amen.