Finding the Light in Mental IllnessSample

DAY 4

AUTHORITY

Welcome back! Today is day four of our study this week on mental illness. As we dig into Mark 1:21-34, we are starting to see how demonic activity experienced in our minds relates to mental illness as we feel a conflict between our minds and our godly hearts.

In our Scripture this week, as Jesus entered a synagogue, His authority was uncontested. People were amazed at Jesus’ power, and even the impure spirit that had taken over a man was feared to be destroyed by Jesus.

Today, we learn how Jesus responded to the impure spirit.

Let us read Mark 1:25-28:

25 “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” 26 The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek. 27 The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” 28 News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.

Jesus spoke a command once to the impure spirit. He said, “Come out!” Instantly, the spirit came out of the man, and all the people who experienced this event were astonished.

Can you imagine seeing this for yourself? Knowing you are in the presence of Jesus with great power, you find yourself watching as demonic spirits are conquered.

It doesn’t sound like the spirits were departing peacefully, either. The poor man was convulsing and the spirits left with a loud, piercing sound as an expression of terror.

Jesus’ authority not only demanded these impure spirits to leave, but His power brought them to fear.

I continue to pray for peace over you if you feel that conflict between your mind and your heart. I am confident when Jesus is welcomed into your spirit, the enemy shakes with fear because he knows you are a child of God.

Today I leave you with this: in our world, we can see physical illness, but it is hard to see the mental conflict we feel. Those conflicts come in many ways, such as depression, anxiety, stress, worry, or fear.

Come back tomorrow as we can better distinguish between our physical and mental status and how Jesus holds complete authority over both.

SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE: CALL OR TEXT 9-8-8