The phrase “as a man thinketh so is he” is a shortened version of “for as he thinketh in his heart, so is he,” found in Proverbs 23:7. This proverb highlights the idea that a person’s inner thoughts and beliefs shape their true character and behavior, not just their outward actions or words. This leads us into our topic today about the importance of achieving and maintaining good mental health.
As of 2023, more than 20 percent of Americans were affected with a mental illness, which amounts to about fifty million Americans. Over half don’t receive treatment, or if they do, don’t adhere to the treatment regimen. Many self-medicate with drugs and alcohol ending with multiple addictions and substance abuse, trauma symptoms, and suicidal tendencies. Domestic violence has risen dramatically across the country. We are facing a mental health crisis in our country which directly impacts our families and children. Where do we find help? Does the Bible say anything about mental health?
Good mental health is based on the premise of a “sound mind,” which means to function in a healthy way. It means we are capable of operating from “non-depressed” responses to stresses and challenges, requiring us to operate under reality. A mentally healthy person is controlled by rational thought, truth instead of fear or hopelessness.
To be of a sound mind means to be characterized by reasoned good judgment and to fully live in reality. If you choose to believe in a falsehood you are setting yourself up for trouble. If you believe in something that isn’t true, you put yourself at risk. The more lies you believe, the more you are open to their misplaced consequences.
In 2 Timothy 3:16, Paul tells us that “all Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” Scripture was given by the inspiration of God—the ultimate source of truth—and is useful for correcting our thinking. Christians stand in direct contrast to our culture. Part of the definition of being a Christian is submission to and acceptance of God’s truth rather than our own. If you’re to live in reality, you must consider your Creator’s perspective. You must accept his definition of truth. To increase your level of mental health, you must increase your level of healthy thinking. There is definitely hope that any of us can do so by replacing lies and distortions with truth. Ask yourself what would God say that bible truth is? Here are some important scriptures:
- “Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:13).
- “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8).
- “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2).
- “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you” (Isaiah 26:3).
- “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (Colossians 3:2).
- “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).
- “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).
Good news — there is hope — good mental health is achievable and worth working for. Renewing the mind is an ongoing, dynamic, ever-changing task which requires listening for lies, catching them, and replacing them with truth. Renewing your mind can be done with understanding, work, vigilance, and commitment. The best news of all is that the reward is great mental health and a sound mind.
Debby Efurd is co-founder of Cary John Efurd Ministries of Pittsburg, TX. She has been a contributor to Bound for Life and written numerous articles published in LifeNews, Christian Post and the Baptist Standard, and is the author of Go Tell It! Debby can be contacted at caryjohnefurdinistries@gmail.com. Visit her at the Second Mile blog at https://debbyefurd.com.
Tagged: addiction and recovery, health journey, hope, mental health, scripture
