Mental illness is not a sin

Mental illness appears in the Bible on numerous occasions. Saul, Nebuchadnezzar and even King David dealt with mental health issues. Nowhere in the Bible does it say mental illness is a sin. Not dealing with root issues may very well be; like unforgiveness, anger, doubt, jealousy, or a negative thought life.
Many Mental illness issues that churches deal with weekly may include depression, PTSD, anxiety, mood disorders (including bi-polar) and suicide. Sweeping these matters under the rug is not helpful. Keeping them in the dark is counter-Biblical.
What you think matters and I remind you to put scripture into practice. I Peter 1:13 says to prepare your mind for action. Colossians 3:2 says to set your mind on things above, not on earthly things. Ephesians 4:23 says we are to be made new in the attitude of our minds.
This month I choose to address the four D’s that lead to suicidal thoughts: Discouragement leads to Doubt which leads to Depression which leads to Desperation. If you park your mind in any of these areas, you are potentially at risk.
Having the thought is not the main problem, dwelling on that thought is!
Remember, scripture says to take every thought captive (II Corinthians 10:5) and to think about things that are more excellent and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). Lies come from God’s enemy, Satan, who sows doubt and wishes you to lose hope.
Isn’t that the main issue with suicide—the complete loss of hope.
This all makes me want to sing the lyrics to a famous song, “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.”
I understand the Columbus Mental Health Center has scheduled a local “Mental Health First Aid” class on April 1 and 2. Information may be found by calling Jen at 322-4514.