My husband and I have a ritual every Spring and Fall season. We change out our wardrobes by transferring cool- or warm-weather clothing from our closet to several plastic crates. Weather-appropriate clothing is kept in closets as necessary during that season only; others are saved in the attic for later.
I’ve noticed the same type of procedure with some people in the practice of their faith. How’s that?
Many individuals attend church regularly or on occasion but choose to keep all related matters to only certain days of the week—such as Sunday—or to specific holidays like Easter or Christmas. When not deemed necessary, their faith is “stored away” until the desired time to pull it out again.
I wonder if they ever consider how a consistent, daily walk with the Lord can contribute positively to their mental health?
Faith, in practice, does make a difference!
As we enter the highest point of the year for Christians (Easter)—when individuals around the world focus on the resurrection of Jesus Christ—let’s consider how certain aspects of religious life have the potential to impact our mental health throughout the year.
PRAYER
Talking to God provides the foundation for a personal relationship with the Lord. Through daily prayer we can find:
- An outlet to express ourselves from the depths of our souls
- Relief for anxieties that build up from pressures of life
- Hope for our existence now, and direction for our futures
FELLOWSHIP WITH OTHER BELIEVERS
Through friendships with other Christians, we are able to:
- Discover like-mindedness while holding to a biblical worldview
- Share concerns—spiritual and otherwise—with others who care about us
- Practice our God-given gifts of service toward others
READING THE BIBLE
Scripture is God’s message to us about Himself, His relationship with humanity throughout history, and His plan of salvation for those who believe. By reading the Bible we can:
- Learn how God has related to people throughout history
- Discover the vastness of God’s character and His great love, mercy, and grace
- Learn how God has always kept His promises of provision for this life as well as His plan for eternity
- See how God has worked with people in the past and how He functions similarly in our lives
I like what someone told me today about this topic. He said, “Practicing faith in God provides hope that there is something (actually someone) bigger than me. I’m in God’s hands, which is a huge comfort to think about. My future is not uncertain; I can trust in God’s promises. He has shown Himself faithful throughout history so I can rely on Him for my future.”
Think about it…
- How has faith in God impacted your mental well-being?
- What are some things you do on a regular basis to stay in a close relationship with the Lord?
- How do you see the benefit of these faith practices in your daily interactions and life outlook?