- Dec 20, 2019
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Like many topics in today’s world, the Bible doesn’t specifically mention therapy, yet it does offer profound wisdom about the struggles we face.
Christians often have a wide range of views when it comes to therapy and mental health. Even if you’ve never personally questioned whether therapy aligns with your faith, you may have wondered why Christians struggle with mental health in the first place and how that can be possible.
This is a layered conversation. However, at its core is a foundational truth: we are all imperfect. None of us are expected to have it all together. If you’re currently struggling or searching for someone to talk to, know that there is no shame in reaching out. You don’t have to face this alone. We encourage you to connect with one of our trusted Christian counselors as you navigate this season.
Why do Christians wrestle with mental health?
Because we are human. We are sinners in need of a Savior, living in a broken world. Just as a bone can break, our minds and hearts can experience damage too. Sin has affected every part of creation, including our mental well-being. This doesn’t mean we are weak in faith; it means we’re in need of grace, support, and healing.
Thankfully, God offers us hope. His truth, combined with the resources He has placed around us like therapy, community, and wise counsel, can guide us through even the darkest moments.
Throughout the Bible, we find numerous examples of individuals struggling with what we now recognize as mental and emotional challenges. Since the fall of humanity, when sin first entered the world, we’ve lived in a broken state- physically, spiritually, and mentally. Sin separates us from God, and that separation can impact not just our souls but our minds and bodies as well.
One powerful example is Elijah. Elijah was a prophet, a man of deep faith, and a miracle worker. If anyone could demonstrate how real and raw mental health struggles can be, even in the life of someone close to God, it’s Elijah. He witnessed God’s power firsthand, yet he still experienced overwhelming despair.
God called Elijah to confront Israel’s corruption. He performed miracles, declared God’s judgments, and boldly opposed the worship of Baal. He even challenged kings over their injustice and idolatry.
But after all this, Elijah fled into the wilderness, gripped by fear after Queen Jezebel threatened his life. He fell into a deep state of discouragement and even prayed for death. In 1 Kings 19:3-4 we read, “Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life… But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, ‘It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.’”
Elijah felt defeated, exhausted, and completely alone. But though he felt alone, he wasn’t. God responded not with judgement, but with compassion. He sent an angel to care for Elijah, providing food and water, and eventually spoke to him, not in thunder or fire, but in a gentle whisper. God reminded Elijah of His presence and purpose.
Elijah’s story shows us that emotional and spiritual exhaustion is not a sign of weak faith. It’s a human reality. Fear, anxiety, depression- these are real and valid experiences, and God sees them all. He is a God of provision, comfort, and presence.
God reminds us to seek Him in our struggles. Romans 12:12 encourages us: “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
Mental health challenges involve more than just the mind, they affect the heart and soul, too. The battle may be heavy, but the hope we have in Christ is greater. Jesus assures us in John 16:33 “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Here is more encouragement from scripture:
Psalm 23:3 – “He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
Matthew 11:28 – “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Isaiah 41:10– “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
The real question many Christians wrestle with isn’t if therapy is biblical, but how we can faithfully pair our walk with Christ with the resources available to us.
Some believers worry that seeking therapy or counseling might pull them away from their faith or make them appear weak. But this simply isn’t true. When grounded in biblical truth, counseling can be a powerful tool that complements our spiritual growth. It’s not a replacement for faith- it’s an extension of God’s care through others.
Take Elijah, for example. After a series of great spiritual victories, Elijah found himself emotionally exhausted, afraid, and hiding in a cave. God gently asked him, “What are you doing here?” Not because He didn’t know the answer, but because there is power in voicing our pain and being honest about where we are. Therapy can offer that same space; an opportunity to share openly and process honestly.
We are invited to bring what is hidden into the light. Ephesians 5:13-14 reminds us: “But when anything is exposed to the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
We weren’t meant to carry our burdens alone. James 5:16 says: “Therefore confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
There is strength in confession. There is healing in community. Jesus affirms this in Matthew 18:20: “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am among them.”
God also speaks to our deepest pain through His Word. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
Let His Word guide you and don’t be afraid to seek wise, godly counsel along the way. Find people you can trust. Be honest. Let the body of Christ support you. And if you are struggling, take this to heart from James 5:14, “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.”
God works through community, through prayer, and even through therapy. Healing comes in many forms, and all of it can reflect the love and grace of Christ.
We encourage you to dwell deeply in the Lord’s truth and find rest in His goodness. As you seek the help and healing you need, pray for His guidance. He sees you, hears you, and understands your struggle.
Psalm 23:3 reminds us, “He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” God can transform your pain into something beautiful that brings Him glory. He redeems. He restores.
True peace doesn’t come from the world; it comes from Him. In John 14:27, Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
Even in the midst of confusion or pain, trust that God is at work. Romans 8:28 assures us, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Don’t be afraid or ashamed to reach out for help. Getting connected with someone trained to walk with you- whether a counselor, pastor, or trusted mentor- is a powerful step of surrender and healing. Bring it all to the Lord, and trust Him to lead you to true rest.
Psalm 34:18 gives this comfort: “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
You are not alone. God is with you. And there is hope.
The post What Does the Bible Say About Therapy? appeared first on Focus on the Family.
Continue reading...
Christians often have a wide range of views when it comes to therapy and mental health. Even if you’ve never personally questioned whether therapy aligns with your faith, you may have wondered why Christians struggle with mental health in the first place and how that can be possible.
This is a layered conversation. However, at its core is a foundational truth: we are all imperfect. None of us are expected to have it all together. If you’re currently struggling or searching for someone to talk to, know that there is no shame in reaching out. You don’t have to face this alone. We encourage you to connect with one of our trusted Christian counselors as you navigate this season.
Why do Christians wrestle with mental health?
Because we are human. We are sinners in need of a Savior, living in a broken world. Just as a bone can break, our minds and hearts can experience damage too. Sin has affected every part of creation, including our mental well-being. This doesn’t mean we are weak in faith; it means we’re in need of grace, support, and healing.
Thankfully, God offers us hope. His truth, combined with the resources He has placed around us like therapy, community, and wise counsel, can guide us through even the darkest moments.
What Does the Bible Say About Mental Health
Throughout the Bible, we find numerous examples of individuals struggling with what we now recognize as mental and emotional challenges. Since the fall of humanity, when sin first entered the world, we’ve lived in a broken state- physically, spiritually, and mentally. Sin separates us from God, and that separation can impact not just our souls but our minds and bodies as well.
One powerful example is Elijah. Elijah was a prophet, a man of deep faith, and a miracle worker. If anyone could demonstrate how real and raw mental health struggles can be, even in the life of someone close to God, it’s Elijah. He witnessed God’s power firsthand, yet he still experienced overwhelming despair.
God called Elijah to confront Israel’s corruption. He performed miracles, declared God’s judgments, and boldly opposed the worship of Baal. He even challenged kings over their injustice and idolatry.
But after all this, Elijah fled into the wilderness, gripped by fear after Queen Jezebel threatened his life. He fell into a deep state of discouragement and even prayed for death. In 1 Kings 19:3-4 we read, “Then he was afraid, and he arose and ran for his life… But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, ‘It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.’”
Elijah felt defeated, exhausted, and completely alone. But though he felt alone, he wasn’t. God responded not with judgement, but with compassion. He sent an angel to care for Elijah, providing food and water, and eventually spoke to him, not in thunder or fire, but in a gentle whisper. God reminded Elijah of His presence and purpose.
Elijah’s story shows us that emotional and spiritual exhaustion is not a sign of weak faith. It’s a human reality. Fear, anxiety, depression- these are real and valid experiences, and God sees them all. He is a God of provision, comfort, and presence.
God reminds us to seek Him in our struggles. Romans 12:12 encourages us: “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
Mental health challenges involve more than just the mind, they affect the heart and soul, too. The battle may be heavy, but the hope we have in Christ is greater. Jesus assures us in John 16:33 “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Here is more encouragement from scripture:
Psalm 23:3 – “He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
Matthew 11:28 – “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
Isaiah 41:10– “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
What Does the Bible Say About Therapy
The real question many Christians wrestle with isn’t if therapy is biblical, but how we can faithfully pair our walk with Christ with the resources available to us.
Some believers worry that seeking therapy or counseling might pull them away from their faith or make them appear weak. But this simply isn’t true. When grounded in biblical truth, counseling can be a powerful tool that complements our spiritual growth. It’s not a replacement for faith- it’s an extension of God’s care through others.
Take Elijah, for example. After a series of great spiritual victories, Elijah found himself emotionally exhausted, afraid, and hiding in a cave. God gently asked him, “What are you doing here?” Not because He didn’t know the answer, but because there is power in voicing our pain and being honest about where we are. Therapy can offer that same space; an opportunity to share openly and process honestly.
We are invited to bring what is hidden into the light. Ephesians 5:13-14 reminds us: “But when anything is exposed to the light, it becomes visible, for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
We weren’t meant to carry our burdens alone. James 5:16 says: “Therefore confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
There is strength in confession. There is healing in community. Jesus affirms this in Matthew 18:20: “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am among them.”
God also speaks to our deepest pain through His Word. Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
Let His Word guide you and don’t be afraid to seek wise, godly counsel along the way. Find people you can trust. Be honest. Let the body of Christ support you. And if you are struggling, take this to heart from James 5:14, “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.”
God works through community, through prayer, and even through therapy. Healing comes in many forms, and all of it can reflect the love and grace of Christ.
Challenge For You:
We encourage you to dwell deeply in the Lord’s truth and find rest in His goodness. As you seek the help and healing you need, pray for His guidance. He sees you, hears you, and understands your struggle.
Psalm 23:3 reminds us, “He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” God can transform your pain into something beautiful that brings Him glory. He redeems. He restores.
True peace doesn’t come from the world; it comes from Him. In John 14:27, Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
Even in the midst of confusion or pain, trust that God is at work. Romans 8:28 assures us, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Don’t be afraid or ashamed to reach out for help. Getting connected with someone trained to walk with you- whether a counselor, pastor, or trusted mentor- is a powerful step of surrender and healing. Bring it all to the Lord, and trust Him to lead you to true rest.
Psalm 34:18 gives this comfort: “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
You are not alone. God is with you. And there is hope.
The post What Does the Bible Say About Therapy? appeared first on Focus on the Family.
Continue reading...
