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MENTAL HEALTH … otherwise called ...
THE BATTLE FOR THE MIND
This subject is getting much more publicity in the media in this country as some prominent sports stars are affected and speaking out about it.
And it has come close to home also, so has got my attention of late.
Most of the worlds attention is on physical health and ones appearance, yet the brain is probably the most essential organ and needs attention and maintenance also, just like any other organ of the body.
So, I can but offer my few comments, and what I have discovered on my pilgrimage through life and raising a family etc (from a layman, and not a professional psychologist, some of whom I know and respect)
To me, as a believer, the old book – the Bible, offers much, which I have tried to implement along the way. My usual day starts with a walk in a nearby tree lined park … I call it a “walk and a talk” with Him - combined.
And as the years and the kilometres pass by, I find that my thoughts and talking are less about prayer requests but more about being thankful, and grateful and just sheer praise to Himself. So, “I have another day on this planet' I muse … as we are encouraged to take one day at a time Matthew 6:34 … and that's quite enough to have to have to handle I find.
So, what about mental health ? and keeping ones brain in good repair ?
Firstly, to me … to find victory over worry, anxiety, and the daily cares of life – over the family, business, finances, etc that keep on loading up the thoughts.
casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
which has been my constant reminder since I first saw this verse decades ago. The creator of the universe can surely handle my few needs also.
Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. Psalm 37:3-5
from my favourite Psalm whence I have found so much comfort and encouragement over a lifetime now.
Faith = trust … in a faithful Creator / parent / Father
The raven he feedeth so why should I care to the heart of the Father his children are dear
so if the way darkens and storms gather oer, I'll simply look upwards and trust Him the more goes the old ditty
it would seem that trust is a learned attitude like any other
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:7
A calm and undisturbed mind and heart are life and health to the body. Proverbs 14:30 Amp
You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3
Know God = know peace NO God = No peace
then there's the THOUGHTS … of which we are merely the sum !
For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. Proverbs 23:7
Keep your “heart” with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23
and what God has supplied to his children ...
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, 2 Corinthians 10:5
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2
then there's the remarkable account of the maniac at Gadara …
Then they went out to see what had happened, and came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. Luke 8:35
For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” but we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:16 wow, did you get that ?
But perhaps the most beneficial to mental health is this simple practice ...
scripture memorisation - the committing to memory of bible verses
from the very day when I was “born again” and I was given a booklet with some verses on cards to go over and memorise, what a benefit …
and then I found a verse that helped me over the next 6 months of a young man's trials and temptations 1 Corinthians 10:13 - that temptation is common to us all etc never realised that any others had problems like mine !
Dawson Trotman who founded “Navigators” - putting scripture verses onto small cards that fitted in the pocket or wallet, and the value of review, review, constant review … to commit them to memory
and this has been my practice and delight over the past decades now as a habit was started and formed, and continued to this very day.
How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word ... Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You. Psalm 119:9, 11
Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. Psalm 119:97
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom ... singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Colossians 3:16
Blessed is the man …. his delight is in the law of the Lord,
And in His law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:2
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Joshua 1:8
and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Phillipians 4:7
then a warning about opposite affects … and guess what is top of the
list ?
For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a person Matthew 15:19
to realise that every thought will affect my tomorrow !
So, in summary … from the wisdom of Solomon …
A calm and peaceful and tranquil heart is life and health to the body Proverbs 14:30 Amp
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