Mental Health. That has been a topic that has been given a bit of notice for some time here recently. Life can be tragic at times; things just happen or just are, and we have to deal with these tragedies. They say that most people battle with childhood trauma that they suffered. So much of our past or stories carries over into who we are. God sees and understands this all, but we don’t. That’s why he instructs us to pray to the Father “forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Matthew 6:12). This is all of our first go-round with this, so patience makes the most sense in our dealing with one another. He says, “Blessed are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7)
However, these tragedies need attention. Things need to be addressed, amended, healed, rectified, attended to, or acknowledged in some way. And, oftentimes, we do not recognize that the deliverance we need from these tragic occurrences we endure has been supplied at the cross of Christ. So much was accomplished at the cross that we don’t comprehend. Love heals, but so often, we fail to experience it. The scriptures call Christ “Counsellor” (Isaiah 9:6). It also says concerning him: “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). God came in the flesh and came and condemned sin in the flesh. He came and encountered all that we face, handle, and feel, so he can adequately communicate to us in our infirmities, or tragedies, because he has been there.
I heard in college my western humanities professor say that the question, cry, or plea of justice is “Why.” Usually, when we’re experiencing something tragic or unfortunate, the question we ask outwardly or within is, “Why.” I was reading through my church notebook yesterday, and I saw an old observation that had come to me while in service that I noted to myself: ” God had great understanding but yet was a man of sorrow.”
Many tragedies occur because we mishandle sorrow. Christ had all the answers, but he also possessed the ability to not let the sorrow overtake him. “Hurt people hurt people,” they say. We must become resolved of the things we’ve endured.
Christian Counseling was a course I had to take during my biblical studies. The book by Dr. Harold Sala was an excellent read concerning counseling. He says,
God has opened a door for you to help someone. You are in a position to be a channel of divine guidance, to be used in a way that you had never considered possible.
We naturally seek the advice and counsel of those who know us and are closest to us.
The first chapter of the book is entitled, We Can Help People! This book is a really great read. He says, “Christ’s healing ministry was the purest psychiatry ever applied to the emotional wounds of hurting men and women.” I’ve been told that the healing of emotions is off-limits for man but that it is an area that only God can heal.
Counseling Through Your Bible Handbook was the text for that Christian Counseling course. It is like a biblical glossary for whatever one may need counseling through. The author provides a plethora of scriptures upon whatever one may have endured and needs God’s word. God is a God who cares.
When Friends Ask For Help by Harold Sala is not available in my bookstore
, but if one would like a copy of Counseling Through Your Bible Handbook, to have handy for yourself or others, get yours here (thanks): https://bookshop.org/a/56410/9780736921817
Comments