(Luke 24:13-35) The story of what happened to the disciples Cleopas and an unnamed other on the road to Emmaus in Luke’s Gospel is quite a famous one. The scene is just after the crucifixion – Jesus has, apparently, died. His followers are bereft, and they don’t know what to do. Verse 17 says they […]
Is it a Sin to Take Medication?
October 19, 2012 by 1 Comment
Some people, if you say that you are suffering from a mental illness, will tell you not to take medication. Some say that the drugs will make you worse, that you will be addicted, that you should be able to “man up” and deal with whatever you are experiencing. Some Christians who believe this will […]
Count Your Blessings
October 15, 2012 by 4 Comments
There is a hymn I’ve often heard, on the familiar theme of being thankful for what you have: Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly, And you will keep singing as the days go by. […]
A Black Dog
October 10, 2012 by 1 Comment
Today, October 10th, is World Mental Health Day, as set by the World Health Organisation. In honour of this, they have produced a video giving an overview of what depression is, and some tips for dealing with it. Given that 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem in a year, and depression […]
10 Ways to Cope with Depression
October 2, 2012 by 2 Comments
Including Scripture references. Seek medical assistance. “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” (Mark 2:17) If you are sick mentally, then you need to speak to a doctor, and follow the treatments they give you. This may include medication, therapy, or both. Look beyond. “This too shall pass.” Christian […]
Joy Comes in the Morning
September 1, 2012 by 1 Comment
I have always loved the line in Psalm 30: “weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” (v5b KJV) This particular verse has brought me much comfort, and also caused me some conflict. I have experienced plenty of weeping when depression has brought me low, and for me it is generally […]
Future Promises
August 26, 2012 by Leave a Comment
I have always been a bit wary of talking about the second coming, the end times, however you wish to describe it. This is for several reasons, one being that so many people end up with conspiracy theories, seeing the beast under every rock, that I end up thinking that we sound completely mad! I […]
Putting the Patience in Patient
August 16, 2012 by 1 Comment
Being mentally ill requires a lot of patience. You have to be patient with your own mind, in the hope that it will eventually get better, and you have to be patient with those trying to treat you. Patience is one of the seven heavenly virtues and important to the Christian faith. When we are ill, […]
Verses for the Afflicted
July 28, 2012 by 3 Comments
I thought it might be helpful if I posted some verses about affliction (definition: grievous pain or trouble) and how the Bible describes its purpose. You’ll note that the Bible doesn’t view affliction as always being bad, or as a punishment, it consistently describes difficulty as a way to refine us, to teach us, and that good […]
“You Have a Spiritual Problem”
July 14, 2012 by 3 Comments
There is a great deal of rather ignorant talk from some Christians about mental illness. I think everyone has at least heard of, if not actually experienced, Christians who believe that mental ill-health is a spiritual problem rather than a medical one. Such people believe that a Christian must be in emotional good health, and […]
Believer's Brain 