Bible's mental health program

I am one person who believes you must be open and real when dealing with mental health. Too many individuals and churches are not open about the reality of depression, suicide (don’t do it), and other mental health challenges. I am not a medical professional and encourage you to go to whoever is your doctor or medical provider for medical questions.

Here are five verses that will guarantee strong mental health if applied.

1. Ecclesiastes 5:10- “He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.” Don’t be surprised when things on this world don’t bring real satisfaction. One mistake we make is making our peace tied to this earth. One of the church leaders of old rightfully shared, “There is a god shaped void that only God can fill.”

2. John 16:33- “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” Don’t be surprised or angry when this world throws so many “unplanned” things at you. Jesus made us three promised: peace is only in Him, the world will have trials, and He is victorious over the world.

3. Proverbs 20:7- “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.” To summarize this verse be careful how you think. That means choose to not allow things that destroy your thinking and lead to disperse. One area I consistently see is the news. One thing that CNN and Fox news has in common is watching them all the time will increase your fear and stress. Take a challenge of getting offline and away from the news for one day and watch your thinking improve.

4. Proverbs 13:20- “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” My momma told me if you hand out in a barber shop you will eventually get a haircut. Are you friends godly or are they ungodly? Who you hang out with or don’t will strongly influence your mental health and life.

5. Psalm 119:165- “Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” Do you love the Word of God? Notice it says that two things result when you love the Word of God: great peace and you aren’t offended. Make sure you are reading the Word of God every day and faithfully attend church where godly Bible saturated sermons are preached.

Ultimately, this begins in a wonderful relationship with Jesus Christ. John 3:36- “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”

First Baptist will continue a book study of Revelation this Sunday at 6 p.m. (1101 N. Main St.).

If you have a question you would like answered for future columns email mathewvroman@gmail.com