God’s Presence is a Promise of Victory

Living with mental illness is hard. Especially as a believer in Jesus. Doubts creep in, fears take hold, and we question our own strength to overcome the day to day challenges. Yet, in the midst of our struggles, there is a constant, unwavering promise: God's presence.

God is Here

Gideon's story is a testament to the transformative power of God's presence. Faced with overwhelming odds and his own feelings of inadequacy, Gideon questioned how he could possibly fulfill God's calling to free the people of Israel from oppression. His doubts stemmed from his perceived weaknesses – his family's shortcomings and his own limitations. Yet, God's response was simple yet profound: "I will be with you." In those five words lies the essence of God's promise – His presence is enough.

From the very beginning, God has declared Himself as Immanuel, meaning "God with us." This declaration is not just a comforting phrase; it's a profound truth that resonates through the ages. Just as God assured Gideon, a man filled with doubts and insecurities, He reassures us today: "I will be with you."

What does victory actually mean?

The story of Gideon doesn't end with his doubts. Instead, it unfolds into a narrative of victory. Despite his fears, Gideon led his small army to triumph over their enemies. The victory wasn't just a military conquest; it was a testament to God's faithfulness and His promise of victory in the face of adversity.

Similarly, the apostle Paul, in his struggles with a "thorn in the flesh," found solace in God's promise. Though the thorn remained, God assured Paul, "My grace is all you need, and my power works best in weakness." Victory, in Paul's eyes, wasn't the eradication of his problem but the grace to endure it with strength from above.

It's essential to understand that victory comes in various forms. For some, victory may mean deliverance from mental illness, while for others, it may entail the grace to live well with it. Regardless of the outcome, the ultimate victory rests in God's glory shining through our trials and triumphs.

In the realm of mental health, where uncertainty looms large and fear grips tightly, God's promise of presence holds true. Your struggles do not disqualify you; rather, they become the canvas upon which God paints His masterpiece of grace and redemption. He walks with you through the valleys of darkness, offering light and hope along the way.

Yes, the journey of mental health and wellness may be daunting, but it is also a journey where God's presence is the constant companion. In the newness of each day, He promises to walk beside you, guiding, comforting, and strengthening you along the way.

Trust the Lord!

In the midst of life's storms and struggles, remember that God's presence is the promise of victory. Embrace His presence, trust in His faithfulness, and let His grace be your strength. For in Him, you will find the courage to face each day, knowing that victory is assured, not because of our own strength, but because of His unwavering love.

C. Lilley

Want more on this topic?

Check out our podcast episode, “What We Learn about Gideon’s Anxiety.”

The Glory in Jesus’ Agony

I wanted to share something beautiful with you as we reach the tail end of Holy Week.

Jesus’ Agony in Gethsemane

Jesus prays in the garden of Gethsemane and prays a very interesting prayer.

Then he said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and stay awake with me.” Matthew 26:38

He said, “Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me, yet not what I want but what you want.”. Mark 14:36

In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground. Luke 22:44

The Medical Picture of Christ’s Agony

There is a medical condition call hematidrosis, also known as "blood sweat." Its a very rare condition in which a human sweats blood through their forehead, nails, and other skin surfaces. The blood loss itself is minimal, but the cause of the condition is the part that is most interesting.

Hematidrosis is caused by "extreme physical or emotional stress." Severe mental anxiety causes the Flight or Flight Response to activate so strongly, that the capillaries next to sweat glands rupture and hemmorrhage. It's been suggested that acute fear and extreme stress can cause blood sweat.

There is Deep Significance

Naturally, there is argument about whether this was a literal instance of blood sweat, but one thing remains clear. Jesus was stressed.

Let's look at what Jesus is saying and doing. He is fully aware of the plan of God. He must be. He was there when the Godhead created the plan. Meaning he knows what is coming next and he is looking to what they have planned with anxiety and dreadful anticipation.

Look at the words that the Bible uses to describe his experience. “I feel as if I am dying. Jesus was in great pain.”

And just like any human would ask, Jesus asks God the father for a very simple thing.

"Remove this cup from me"

Or in layman's terms

"Don't make me suffer."

This is the glory of Jesus’ agony!

Christ was in such a state of sadness, stress, and anxiety (some translate his words to say that he is swallowed up with sorrow), that his physical body began to show the external signs of his internal state.

Comfort in Christ’s Understanding

This dark moment in the garden is proof positive that God knows our pain!

God is not so far removed that He is not aware of our struggles and our worries.

Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved kindness, and we will find help. - Hebrews 4:15-16

Friend, if this week (or any future one) you are plagued by doubt, anxiety, depression, other mental symptoms, and yes, even mental illness diagnosis, you can bring it to the Saviour!

Like the old hymn says, JESUS KNOWS ALL ABOUT OUR STRUGGLES

God UNDERSTANDS our trauma. The person and work of Jesus Christ means that when we pray about your next steps in therapy, about how to better take care of our mind, even when we come to Him ashamed of how our mind is betraying us, we are not praying to a God who is unfamiliar with our pain!

This one, if its not for any one else, its for us!

C. Lilley

How Faith and Mental Health Intersect

You and I both know that life is complex. We often confront mental health challenges while still trying to walk our faith alongside our inner struggles. But what hope is there through that struggle?

Scripture provides timeless wisdom on the transformative potential of renewing our minds, as seen in Romans 12:2.

Renewing the Mind: A Biblical Principle

Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect. - Romans 12:2 (NRSV)

Romans 12:2 tells believers to resist conformity to worldly patterns and undergo a profound inner transformation. However, applying this principle can be hard, especially when grappling with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, or addiction.

This is why it is so important to seek support from both spiritual and mental health resources. Just as the apostle Paul sought counsel from fellow believers and relied on the Holy Spirit's wisdom, modern individuals benefit from wise counselors who guide them through their inner journey.

The Power of Therapy: Unearthing Root Causes

Therapy has been misunderstood for years! The Church has overspiritualized it and the black community has historically mistrusted medical professionals of all types due to medical racism. This is where we hear phrases like the following

“All you need is Jesus and He is enough!”

“Therapy is for white people!”

“All my momma did was trust Jesus and keep going, and thats good enough for me!”

But therapy and counseling, though misunderstood, is proving itself to be a powerful tool in this process. Through therapy, we can unearth the root causes of our struggles, confront our inner turmoil, and learn healthier coping mechanisms for the issues that plague us.

Insight from therapy often reveal that mental health challenges stem from deep-rooted issues rather than moral failings. In other words, your depression is not a sin! Addressing these underlying issues empowers us to break free from destructive patterns and embrace healthier lifestyles.

Aligning Faith and Therapy: A Renewal of the Mind

Incorporating biblical principles into therapy helps us align our thoughts and behaviors with our faith. This requires a genuine renewal of the mind—a process facilitated by both spiritual and psychological interventions.

This is why it is key that, while we maintain our spiritual rhythm in seeking the Lord, we also MUST surround ourselves with supportive community and mentors that can provide a foundation of safety and wisdom.

Proverbs 11:14 states, "Where there is no guidance, a people fall, but in an abundance of counselors, there is safety."

For those navigating mental health challenges, it's essential to recognize that help and healing are available. By seeking support, trusting in God's love, and taking deliberate steps toward wholeness, we can find solace and restoration.

My prayer this week is that we find the courage to start on our healing journey, knowing that we are valued and cherished by God.

C. Lilley

Want more on this topic?

Check out our podcast episode, “God’s Plan Demands Mental Wellness”