I’m a pastor with a history dealing with mental health issues. The trauma I experienced growing up developed into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Starting in my early twenties, I began to have flashbacks that were accompanied by panic attacks and severe bouts of anxiety. On many occasions, I believed I was going crazy. The height of my anxiety and panic attacks lasted for over fifteen years. Today, I have victory over these issues, but the process of staying healthy is ongoing. I am open about my struggles because it’s time believers stop pretending.
There is a fallacy that exists within many faith communities that assumes people with mental health issues don’t have enough faith. This notion could not be further from the truth. My struggles did not come from a lack of faith; rather, it was my faith that paved the way to healing.
As described in The Art of Marketing Jesus, I began to earnestly cry out to the Lord for help while driving in my car. After a few minutes of desperate prayer, I turned on the radio to listen to music. Instantly, when I pushed the start button, an advertisement began from an organization that helps people overcome anxiety and depression. God miraculously responded to my prayer. I called the phone number for help.
Today, I have learned how to manage the mental health issues that plagued my life for so many years. However, it was only through the process of learning how to secure my victory in the Lord that helps me to stay free today. When anxiety and panic try to rear their ugly heads again, I have already developed the spiritual skills to hold my ground and trust that God will see me through. I have learned to modify my lifestyle and take every thought captive to sustain my victory. If things get a little too dark, Jesus always lifts me out again.
Why Did God Allow This to Happen?
I was exposed to some tough things growing up after being separated from my family at birth. I often questioned why God allowed these events to happen. My questions were not related to the logistical reasons that created my situation. Instead, I needed to reconcile the reality of suffering with the existence of a loving God. Nobody is exempt from painful experiences in life. It’s what we believe about our pain that has lasting implications.
One day the disciples asked the question, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” (John 9:2). Like the disciples, we tend to conclude that painful experiences are limited to natural explanations. We might think we are simply unlucky and fail to see the deeper spiritual implications related to our troubles. Jesus responded to the disciples, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him” (John 9:3).
Are you willing to believe that your mental health struggles will produce an amazing outcome? Although God does not cause every painful experience, like the blind man, all things have been permitted so that the works of God might be displayed in us. When we see the world through the lens of faith, we understand that the power of Christ rests upon us because we are limited. It’s through our weaknesses, not our strengths, that God can get glory in our lives.
It’s Time to Stop Pretending
I’ll be the first to admit that it’s not easy to acknowledge our real stories. Perhaps you went through a painful divorce, recovered from an addiction, or were fired from your job. Or like me, maybe you’ve struggled with mental health issues. We can take courage in knowing that despite our setbacks, we’re always in good company when we choose to be genuine.
Even the famous prophet Elijah struggled with his mental health. The same powerful man who called fire down from heaven and killed hundreds of false prophets with the sword also became so disillusioned that he quit the ministry, fell into a deep depression and became suicidal. Like the blind man, God did an amazing work in the life of Elijah.
We discover in scripture that Jesus healed the blind man so that we might learn from his example. Many people who saw him healed insisted that he only looked like the person who was blind. Finally, the blind man spoke up for himself and openly proclaimed, “I am the man.” He knew that being transparent was the only way Jesus would get the credit.
In the same way, we must not hide in the corner and pretend that we were never healed from a variety of past conditions or act like we have it all together today. Otherwise, we are only dimming our lights behind the veil of pride. People need to hear our stories and receive encouragement that God can work in their lives too.
Your mental health struggles are serving an incredible purpose in your life. God is drawing your closer. He is giving you a powerful testimony to help others. Stop pretending that everything is perfect in your life and stay focused on what God is doing. He will get the glory in your life, even in the midst of your mental health struggles.
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