My Heart, Mind, and Mental Health

September 12, 2022

Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life. Proverbs 4:23 NLT

Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23 NIV

Because of the time in which it was written, the Bible does not address mental and emotional health in the words and phrases we are accustomed to. However, all through its pages we read about brokenness and the condition of our souls. We are taught about the heart and the mind and how what goes on there impacts every part of our lives.

When sin entered the world it started a degenerative effect on everything. The planet itself, the entire universe, in fact, is decaying and far from God’s original design. Romans 8:21-22 describes creation as groaning. Bodies and minds suffer from the fall, too, and can get very sick and fail.

We have biblical examples of how our spiritual and physical health impact our mental health in this broken world. Like many of us, Jonah’s mental health plummeted because of bad choices he made. He ran from obeying God and when God didn’t destroy the people Jonah hated, he got very depressed. In fact, because he didn’t guard his heart and mind, he couldn’t be happy about God’s mercy. The only way for his depression to end was to get his heart and mind back in line with God.

Some mental illness is influenced by demons. King Saul was troubled by an evil spirit (1 Samuel 16:14). He only found relief from the input and influence of spiritual music played by David and the Spirit of God that came on him. Mark 5:1-5 tells of a man who lived naked among the tombs and constantly wailed and cut himself. When he met Jesus, the spiritual battle was won and his mental health was restored.

Elijah’s stress during his conflict with Queen Jezebel caused his mental health to suffer. Elijah was worn out and eventually ran away, wishing to die (1 Kings 19). God knew physical issues were a part of his breakdown, and he addressed his physical needs first. God fed him and put him to sleep. After Elijah had rested and recharged physically, he was mentally changed and got new direction.

The prodigal son got himself in a real mess because of his sin (Luke 15). His life became filled with dysfunction and pain. When he “came to his senses” (Luke 15:17), he repented and went home, and all was restored.

• Mental health is not guaranteed any more than physical health, but the healthier we keep our hearts and minds, the more protected we are. How focused are you on what is impacting your heart and mind?