1. 2019 Theme
Lights in a Dark World
Philippians 2:15

2. Our Mental Health
Examples in every area

3. Mental health a big concern today
We are living in stressful times with pressures coming from every side
As Christians, we are reminded how increasingly ungodly the world is becoming
Struggles with our physical well being often affect our mental health
HOW should we be thinking?
Our Mental
Health

4. Our mind is associated with our heart
The Bible and our mind
Our mind is associated with our heart
The heart and mind of a Christian – is what we are inside – our soul, personality, will. The seat of our emotions, thoughts, understanding and attitudes
It is what makes you – you!
Our Mental
Health

5. Our minds govern our conduct Proverbs 4:23, keep your heart
The Bible and our mind
Our minds govern our conduct
Proverbs 4:23, keep your heart
Matthew 22:37, Love God with all your heart.
Romans 8:5-6
Romans 10:10
Romans 12:2
Our Mental
Health

6. Our minds govern our conduct
The Bible and our mind
Our minds govern our conduct
Colossians 3:2, set your mind on things above
Hebrews 8:10, I will put My laws in their mind and hearts
Be like minded – Peter 3:8, Philippians 1:27, :2-3, 4:2, etc.
Our Mental
Health

7. Mental struggles are real
We all struggle with our minds from time to time – striving to get our thinking where it ought to be
It might be minor or temporary
But for many, it is a serious challenge affecting the very core of who we are
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
Our Mental
Health

8. Mental struggles are real
I believe some struggle with genuine mental issues, some of which might require professional help
In such, seek a care provider who believes in God!
You need someone who will not excuse sin!
Our Mental
Health

9. Mental struggles are real
Mental health is a big business today – with larges sums on professionals, drugs and treatments
Far too many at the FIRST sign of struggles seek someone hoping for a cure or help
Some things to consider:
Our Mental
Health

10. Mental struggles are real
Some things to consider
In many instances (maybe more than we care to admit), a good look at the Bible with a determination to obey can help identify the cause of our angst
Are we bringing on our problems with sinful behaviors and attitudes?
Our Mental
Health

11. Mental struggles are real
For example:
Someone is engaged in sinful behavior and his conscience is bothering him (it’s working) – mental anguish (guilt, despising oneself, defeated attitude, depression, etc.)
Rather than repenting, he seeks out a “professional” for therapy
The result of treatment - he does not feel guilty anymore.
BUT, in God’s eyes, the sin is still there!

12. How can our mental health affect our influence?
It affects how we view ourselves
That can affect how we view others
Reflected in our attitudes and moods – which affect others
It can rob us of confidence to reach others
Do we even realize this?
Our Mental
Health

13. Maintaining healthy minds
Begins with examination – Galatians 6:3-5, 1 Corinthians 11:28 Psalm 26:2
Most challenges begin with examination – we need to know where we are!
Our Mental
Health

14. Maintaining healthy minds
Deal with the causes
If some area is not right, deal with it
Repent! 2 Corinthians 7:10-11
Think of areas we have discussed – self-control, contentment, humility, endurance, moderation, etc.
Our Mental
Health

15. Maintaining healthy minds
Understand that mental struggles are not necessarily sinful
Jesus was troubled – Matthew 26:37 Paul – 2 Corinthians 11:28
BUT, they can become sinful!
It is about HOW we deal with them
Our Mental
Health

16. Maintaining healthy minds
What is our mindset?
Are we determined to be positive and see the best? Acts 16:25, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, etc.
1 Peter 1:13, gird up the loins of your mind
Our Mental
Health

17. Maintaining healthy minds
What are you putting into your mind?
Dwelling on the negative? Associating with the negative?
Philippians 4:8 – what are you dwelling on?
Our Mental
Health

18. Maintaining healthy minds
Be anxious for nothing
Philippians 4:6-7 – something we need to work on!
Let your requests be made known – James 5:13, 1:2-6
Our Mental
Health

19. Maintaining healthy minds
Learn to trust God – 1 Peter 5:6-7, Philippians 4:7 Appreciate faith, God’s mercy, grace & His love
This is NOT permission to sin 1 John 2:1-2
Our Mental
Health

20. Maintaining healthy minds
Live your life one day at a time – Matthew 6:34
Let your brethren help you James 5:13-16, Romans 12:15
Our Mental
Health

21. How is your Mental Health?
Examples in every area