May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
I struggle to understand what mental health means.
Sometimes I am angry, sad and afraid. I get confused and overwhelmed. It is enough for me to rush to a counselor for a mental health check, and to a doctor for medication. In fact, I have done both, and I feel better.
I feel better, but incomplete. My soul searches for something that can only come from God, and that is joy (Psalm 16:11; 63:1-5).
God understands anger and sorrow, and frames both in the mindset of joy (Psalm 30:5). Jesus talks about joy in terms of repentance and redemption (Luke 15:8-10; 21:28), love and obedience (John 15:9-11), sorrow and prayer (John 16:20-24; 17:13), guiding the Christian journey and capturing the full scope of the human experience.
The key is when I allow Him into my life, into my private devotions, and sit in His presence. I can feel the emotions and acknowledge the confusion. I can turn all of my cares over to Him (1 Peter 5:7). I feel at peace. I experience joy.
Do yourself a favor. Experience God’s joy.
Psalm 51:8, 12
Matthew 5:3-12