More so than ever before, Christians are struggling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. The Bible undoubtedly speaks to these issues, encouraging believers to “not be anxious about anything” (Philippians 4:6) and “cast [our] anxieties on [God] because he cares for [us]” (1 Peter 5:7). However, it is easy to feel discouraged when the demands of life in our current cultural climate seem to work against our experience of the “peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). How can we practically live out these biblical realities in the ways the Lord intends for his people?
In his free ebook entitled 5 Tips to Improve Your Mental Health (PDF), Timothy Fox encourages struggling Christians with the following strategies.
- Take an emotional audit.
- Find a constructive hobby.
- Make friends.
- Rest.
- Remember who is in control.
Living lives characterized by peace is not unattainable for Christians. God cares about our mental health and so should we. Pairing timeless biblical truths with intentional spiritual practices can foster joy within those who follow Jesus.