FAITH AND MENTAL ILLNESS

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30

In his book, Faith and Mental Health, Dr. Harold Koenig wrote: “Adversity often shows that a person’s own skills and resources are not sufficient to get him or her out of a situation, and that only when he or she taps into that which is beyond and outside of the self, healing is found.”

And that’s so true, isn’t it? Have you found it so?

A long time ago, I wrote the following about the scripture at the top of this page:

When I began my journey with Jesus, this invitation gave me great comfort. I had for many years dealt with mood disorders. As a new Christian, Jesus’ words brought me close to him. I welcomed them. Through these verses I heard Jesus telling  me what I had been needing. I didn’t have to be alone with my struggles. He promised to be with me, no matter how hard life might become. He would give me rest.

While I was weary and needing more than the world could offer, Jesus humbly bent down to me and called me to himself. What comfort when you’re feeling lost and lonely! What comfort when you need to know that you belong to Someone!

As I came to know Jesus and to appreciate his message, the invitation to accept his yoke by submitting to him lit a flame in me. I wanted to learn from him and to follow his example by working for the good of others in the way he had done and still does. Jesus promised this work wouldn’t be heavy. He would be right beside me to help me carry it.

I wanted to serve, and I needed rest for my soul as well. Jesus assured me I would have both.

Have you heard such a call from Jesus?

marja