• The General Mental Health Forum is now a Read Only Forum. As we had two large areas making it difficult for many to find, we decided to combine the Mental Health & the Recovery sections of the forum into Mental Health & Recovery as a whole. Physical Health still remains as it's own area within the entire Recovery area.

    If you are having struggles, need support in a particular area that you aren't finding a specific recovery area forum, you may find the General Struggles forum a great place to post. Any any that is related to emotions, self-esteem, insomnia, anger, relationship dynamics due to mental health and recovery and other issues that don't fit better in another forum would be examples of topics that might go there.

    If you have spiritual issues related to a mental health and recovery issue, please use the Recovery Related Spiritual Advice forum. This forum is designed to be like Christian Advice, only for recovery type of issues. Recovery being like a family in many ways, allows us to support one another together. May you be blessed today and each day.

    Kristen.NewCreation and FreeinChrist

If you have sinful thoughts from mental illness...

GaveMeJoy

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We suffer from a mental illness, which means our brains are broken. It’s not our fault and we are not responsible. The difference between brain illness and heart illness is brain illnesses can affect our thoughts and actions and make us think that means we sinned. No act that is forced on us by a mental illness (no thought or deed) is voluntary. Therefore it is not disobedience and not a sin.


an example is if the Bible said thou shalt not twitch. But you have Tourette’s syndrome that causes involuntary spasms, you did not twitch. Your body did. That would not be a sin.

I also suffer from obsessive compulsions. Please know you are never lost, you never run out of chances, nor will God hold symptoms of your mental illness against you.

when an organ fails like your heart, God does not hold this against you as a sin or expect you to fix it through prayer. You see a doctor.

the brain is an organ. Ours are broken because the fall of Adam and Eve. Our Version of heart problems Or lung problems are brain problems. Thoughts are affected by the brain. It’s an organ that affects your thoughts.

God KNOWS this better than all the doctors in the world. If you “sin” or have “sinful thoughts” that come from your mental illness (brain) God will not hold this against you. With all sin, if you ask for forgiveness the Bible says you are white as snow. With sins stemming from mental illness, God KNOWS your sickness and your pain. Better than you. Do not be afraid, the Bible says when we sin we have an advocate in Jesus.

when you have the thoughts read these verses I wrote down. It helps me! I promise you will not get through them all without feeling relief from the Lord. The scripture is powerful.

also you may need to see a psychologist, therapist and/or psychiatrist and you may need medication. God allowed scientists to invent medication and doctors to think of treatments as part of his plan for your life.


joy/suffering verses


What Is It?

When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
Acts 7:54-56


Suddenly King Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in amazement and asked his advisers, “Did we not throw three men, firmly bound, into the fire?”

“Certainly, O king,” they replied.

“Look!” he exclaimed. “I see four men, unbound and unharmed, walking around in the fire—and the fourth looks like a son of the gods!”

Daniel 3: 24-25


Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4


1 Peter 1:6-9

6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.



So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.
John 16:22


Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
-1 Peter 4:12-13
At this time, Emperor Nero was burning the bodies of Christians to light his gardens in the evenings


Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfector of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1–2)


Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!

Psalm 32:11


What Does It Do?


Psalm 94:19 "When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy."


“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28.


1 Peter 5:10
After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.


Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:35-39


" Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found, and hid. In his joy, he goes and sells all that he has, and buys that field.

— Matthew 13:44"


Psalm 5:11 "But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee."


Where does it come from? From Holy Spirit. From Trust. From Obedience .


Galatians 5:22-23 New International Version (NIV)

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.


So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
1 Peter 4:19 - Bible Gateway passage: 1 Peter 4:19 - New International Version


Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7


The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.
Psalm 103:19


Romans 15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."


“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.John 15:9-11


Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
Habakkuk 3:17-18


And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.
2 Corinthians 8:1-2

I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.
Philippians 1:23-26

Paul says that continuing to inspire progress and joy in the church was one of the only reasons he was still even alive on earth.


33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33

Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more GLADLY about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:8-10

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12


I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.
Romans 8:18-19


Romans 5:1-5 New International Version (NIV)
Peace and Hope
5 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.




Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Neh 8:10



Psalm 51:12
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit.


In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
2 Timothy 3:12
 

Carl Emerson

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What happened to "confess your sins to one another and pray for one another that you may be healed ???

We all sin.

The promise is that we will be healed.

Are we fooled into believing that His promise is not happening in this age or something?

We prayed for a lady with OCD a few months back and she was so transformed that folks asked what on earth happened to her.

As a recovered mental patient I can vouch for the fact that prayer played a vital role in my release and healing.

Sadly the church has largely relinquished it's responsibility to minister in this area.

I cant be silent when He has so wonderfully restored me.
 
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Aussie Pete

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We suffer from a mental illness, which means our brains are broken. It’s not our fault and we are not responsible. The difference between brain illness and heart illness is brain illnesses can affect our thoughts and actions and make us think that means we sinned. No act that is forced on us by a mental illness (no thought or deed) is voluntary. Therefore it is not disobedience and not a sin.


an example is if the Bible said thou shalt not twitch. But you have Tourette’s syndrome that causes involuntary spasms, you did not twitch. Your body did. That would not be a sin.

I also suffer from obsessive compulsions. Please know you are never lost, you never run out of chances, nor will God hold symptoms of your mental illness against you.

when an organ fails like your heart, God does not hold this against you as a sin or expect you to fix it through prayer. You see a doctor.

the brain is an organ. Ours are broken because the fall of Adam and Eve. Our Version of heart problems Or lung problems are brain problems. Thoughts are affected by the brain. It’s an organ that affects your thoughts.

God KNOWS this better than all the doctors in the world. If you “sin” or have “sinful thoughts” that come from your mental illness (brain) God will not hold this against you. With all sin, if you ask for forgiveness the Bible says you are white as snow. With sins stemming from mental illness, God KNOWS your sickness and your pain. Better than you. Do not be afraid, the Bible says when we sin we have an advocate in Jesus.

when you have the thoughts read these verses I wrote down. It helps me! I promise you will not get through them all without feeling relief from the Lord. The scripture is powerful.

also you may need to see a psychologist, therapist and/or psychiatrist and you may need medication. God allowed scientists to invent medication and doctors to think of treatments as part of his plan for your life.


joy/suffering verses


What Is It?

When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
Acts 7:54-56


Suddenly King Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in amazement and asked his advisers, “Did we not throw three men, firmly bound, into the fire?”

“Certainly, O king,” they replied.

“Look!” he exclaimed. “I see four men, unbound and unharmed, walking around in the fire—and the fourth looks like a son of the gods!”

Daniel 3: 24-25


Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4


1 Peter 1:6-9

6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.



So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.
John 16:22


Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.
-1 Peter 4:12-13
At this time, Emperor Nero was burning the bodies of Christians to light his gardens in the evenings


Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfector of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1–2)


Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart!

Psalm 32:11


What Does It Do?


Psalm 94:19 "When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy."


“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28.


1 Peter 5:10
After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you.


Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:35-39


" Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found, and hid. In his joy, he goes and sells all that he has, and buys that field.

— Matthew 13:44"


Psalm 5:11 "But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee."


Where does it come from? From Holy Spirit. From Trust. From Obedience .


Galatians 5:22-23 New International Version (NIV)

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.


So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.
1 Peter 4:19 - Bible Gateway passage: 1 Peter 4:19 - New International Version


Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7


The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.
Psalm 103:19


Romans 15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."


“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.John 15:9-11


Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
Habakkuk 3:17-18


And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.
2 Corinthians 8:1-2

I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, so that through my being with you again your boasting in Christ Jesus will abound on account of me.
Philippians 1:23-26

Paul says that continuing to inspire progress and joy in the church was one of the only reasons he was still even alive on earth.


33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33

Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more GLADLY about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:8-10

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12


I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.
Romans 8:18-19


Romans 5:1-5 New International Version (NIV)
Peace and Hope
5 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.




Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Neh 8:10



Psalm 51:12
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit.


In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,
2 Timothy 3:12
There are often causes for physical ailments. Many ailments are avoidable, preventable or reversible. Severe obesity is often a result of lifestyle choices. So is diabetes. Both are horrible conditions that lead to other chronic issues. Likewise mental health. Some issues are physical. A lot are spiritual. Unforgiveness, unconfessed sin, bitterness, resentment, doubt and unbelief can lead to severe depression. Even poor diet can affect our mental well being. I suffered a bout of depression. The Lord reminded me that I had not eaten or had anything to drink for way too long, especially fluids. The mood change was instant, reminding me of when Jonathon ate the honey.

We are physical, soul and spiritual beings. Let's ensure that we are taking care of all aspects of our health, especially the spiritual side
 
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Tolworth John

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Sadly the church has largely relinquished it's responsibility to minister in this area.
Likewise mental health. Some issues are physical. A lot are spiritual.

In much of life generalisations are dangerous.
Many illnesses are Not caused by the patient, many churches abuse the mentally ill in there ' healing ' of them.
Both statements are true and false because they are generalisations.

They are particularly dangerous in a thread for the mentally ill.
There are those here with problems who are very reluctant to seek medical help, but are very willing for prayer.

Each person has to be treated as an individual, not as a general problem.
Churches, families can/should help the mentally ill, self help/support groups where people can talk, be encouraged and supported are one option for churches.

Reading up on the illness and on what self help is available is another ( 25 tips is an example )
Praying for all the I'll is mandatory, but has to be spiritually sensitive.
 
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Carl Emerson

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Sensitivity - yes...

Careful individual support - yes...

Criticising the recovered for confidently proclaiming His healing - No...

I cant imagine anything worse than no hope of recovery.

Incarcerated, drugged up to the eyeballs, reduced to vegetable state, administered ECT, and that was 45 years ago.

I will never stop rejoicing in His great love and healing.
 
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Aussie Pete

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Sensitivity - yes...

Careful individual support - yes...

Criticising the recovered for confidently proclaiming His healing - No...

I cant imagine anything worse than no hope of recovery.

Incarcerated, drugged up to the eyeballs, reduced to vegetable state, administered ECT, and that was 45 years ago.

I will never stop rejoicing in His great love and healing.
Can I give two ticks to your post? Psychology and especially psychiatry have a lot to answer for.
 
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GaveMeJoy

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What happened to "confess your sins to one another and pray for one another that you may be healed ???

We all sin.

The promise is that we will be healed.

Are we fooled into believing that His promise is not happening in this age or something?

We prayed for a lady with OCD a few months back and she was so transformed that folks asked what on earth happened to her.

As a recovered mental patient I can vouch for the fact that prayer played a vital role in my release and healing.

Sadly the church has largely relinquished it's responsibility to minister in this area.

I cant be silent when He has so wonderfully restored me.
Miraculous healing is possible. Where did I say it isn’t? You should pray for miraculous healing for all illnesses. For example, if you have heart failure and need a heart transplant you should pray for healing. You should also get a heart transplant. Anyone who prays for healing and refuses to pursue the Physical means to obtain that healing sent by God through medicine is an ungrateful fool. It’s like asking God for help and then not taking it when he sends it because you prefer to ask for it to come differently.

Its the same for brain illness. No different than any organ failure. One reason there is a stigma in the church regarding mental illness is that many well meaning Christians have a first response of “pray harder” when it comes to only mental illnesses. Only lunatics tell people with heart or lung failure to pray harder and not seek medical attention. I’ve never seen a Christian’s first response to someone with Parkinson’s Disease be “well you are right it’s a degenerative genetic disorder but maybe you have unresolved sin in your life or aren’t praying enough.”

Because the organ of the brain and it’s functions directly impact a human’s thoughts, feelings, and actions, it makes many Christians uncomfortable. They know they can’t blame a person for their organ failing but it’s also hard because they are obsessed with sin and making sure they point it out in others. That’s why instead of admitting the objective fact that brain malfunctions create behaviors and thoughts in people, they try to make it about the person with the mental illness doing something wrong or not being spiritual enough. ImO It is a perspective that comes out of fear and ignorance. My post is for people with mental illnesses, that’s why it’s titled that. But it’s typical to get a “pray harder” comment pretty quick when discussing mental health issues of any kind, and unfortunately likely always will be.
 
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GaveMeJoy

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There are often causes for physical ailments. Many ailments are avoidable, preventable or reversible. Severe obesity is often a result of lifestyle choices. So is diabetes. Both are horrible conditions that lead to other chronic issues. Likewise mental health. Some issues are physical. A lot are spiritual. Unforgiveness, unconfessed sin, bitterness, resentment, doubt and unbelief can lead to severe depression. Even poor diet can affect our mental well being. I suffered a bout of depression. The Lord reminded me that I had not eaten or had anything to drink for way too long, especially fluids. The mood change was instant, reminding me of when Jonathon ate the honey.

We are physical, soul and spiritual beings. Let's ensure that we are taking care of all aspects of our health, especially the spiritual side
Yea In an OCD thread we likely are past th in bigs that the sufferers contribute to, but it’s important to seek counsel from doctors as well as church elders regarding
There are often causes for physical ailments. Many ailments are avoidable, preventable or reversible. Severe obesity is often a result of lifestyle choices. So is diabetes. Both are horrible conditions that lead to other chronic issues. Likewise mental health. Some issues are physical. A lot are spiritual. Unforgiveness, unconfessed sin, bitterness, resentment, doubt and unbelief can lead to severe depression. Even poor diet can affect our mental well being. I suffered a bout of depression. The Lord reminded me that I had not eaten or had anything to drink for way too long, especially fluids. The mood change was instant, reminding me of when Jonathon ate the honey.

We are physical, soul and spiritual beings. Let's ensure that we are taking care of all aspects of our health, especially the spiritual side
I agree physical ailments can affect the spirit and spiritual ailments can affect the body. I think the problem comes when Christians try and pretend a physical ailment is a spiritual one.
 
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Carl Emerson

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Miraculous healing is possible. Where did I say it isn’t? You should pray for miraculous healing for all illnesses. For example, if you have heart failure and need a heart transplant you should pray for healing. You should also get a heart transplant. Anyone who prays for healing and refuses to pursue the Physical means to obtain that healing sent by God through medicine is an ungrateful fool. It’s like asking God for help and then not taking it when he sends it because you prefer to ask for it to come differently.

Its the same for brain illness. No different than any organ failure. One reason there is a stigma in the church regarding mental illness is that many well meaning Christians have a first response of “pray harder” when it comes to only mental illnesses. Only lunatics tell people with heart or lung failure to pray harder and not seek medical attention. I’ve never seen a Christian’s first response to someone with Parkinson’s Disease be “well you are right it’s a degenerative genetic disorder but maybe you have unresolved sin in your life or aren’t praying enough.”

Because the organ of the brain and it’s functions directly impact a human’s thoughts, feelings, and actions, it makes many Christians uncomfortable. They know they can’t blame a person for their organ failing but it’s also hard because they are obsessed with sin and making sure they point it out in others. That’s why instead of admitting the objective fact that brain malfunctions create behaviors and thoughts in people, they try to make it about the person with the mental illness doing something wrong or not being spiritual enough. ImO It is a perspective that comes out of fear and ignorance. My post is for people with mental illnesses, that’s why it’s titled that. But it’s typical to get a “pray harder” comment pretty quick when discussing mental health issues of any kind, and unfortunately likely always will be.

To keep the record straight I have to say that a very large part of my journey back to 'normality' was learning to deal with spiritual attacks and oppression. This was a legacy from a drug habit and being on the fringes of the occult. To be fair my encounters with Jesus gave me the faith to hold onto the knowledge of His love for me and along with good teaching gave me a foundation of self worth that made me intolerant of the spiritual intrusions. I soaked up His word, and applied it to my life. The process took years and a lot of being misunderstood - I would attend church and literally weep all the way through the service, week after week, few would talk to me.
So yes, if someone presents with an axe in their head complaining of headaches, there is probably no demonic stronghold to deal with :). If someone presents with severe depression and it is revealed that they never repented of dabbling with divination, that is a completely different story. Jesus never hesitated to deal with revealed demonic strongholds and nor do I when the time is right.
 
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