Christian, You’re Not Weak

This morning, I met with my friend Gary at Whataburger for breakfast and coffee. Gary volunteered at OurCalling, the Dallas homeless outreach organization I worked at for a number of years. Gary and I saw each other weekly until one day, I disappeared. This morning, I shared with him what had happened and thankfully, he understood.

Listen, if you’ve followed my blog the past couple of years then you know I’ve struggled with my mental health. There. I said it.

I’m thankful for my beautiful wife, Terri, and her unwavering support, as well as my family, even though they may not always understand (and that’s okay). I have a strong support group, that includes my therapist, Dr. Cooper (no, not Sheldon).

I’ve learned that Christians sometimes have a strange idea about mental health.

We can talk about being broken by sin and about needing Jesus. We can talk about spiritual battles.

However, mention anxiety, depression, trauma, counseling, or mental-health struggles—much less, PTSD and complex grief — and suddenly some folks get uncomfortable.

Somehow, people believe that a “strong Christian” should have it all together.

Pray harder.

Read your Bible more.

Trust God.

And whatever you do, don’t let anybody see that you’re struggling, or you won’t be invited to the fun stuff. Heck, you might even be kicked out of the club.

Jesus saved us from having to pretend we’re okay.

Are you struggling with mental health?

You’re not weak.

Mental-health struggles aren’t a failure of faith. They’re part of being human.

Just look at what the Bible has to say.

Elijah became so overwhelmed that he wanted to die.
David wrote about fear, loneliness, despair, and anguish.
Paul talked about being burdened beyond his strength.

Jesus Himself experienced profound anguish in the garden.

These weren’t weak people. They were people who hurt.

Sometimes faith looks like prayer and sometimes it may involve opening your Bible when you don’t particularly feel like opening your Bible.

Other times, it may mean calling a friend and saying, “Hey, I’m having a really hard time.”

It also looks like sitting across from a counselor and admitting, “I need some help.”

That isn’t weakness. It’s honesty.

God works through lots of people in many different ways. Don’t put a limit on what God can do. It’s simply not wise.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

2 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬ ‭ESV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/59/2co.12.9.ESV

You don’t have to choose between Jesus and getting help.

If you’re struggling with your mental health today, please don’t pile shame on top of whatever you’re already carrying. You don’t have to pretend you’re okay to prove that you trust God.

You can bring your whole self to Jesus, including the messy parts.

Christian, you’re not weak.

You’re human.

Admitting you need help isn’t a failure of faith. It’s maybe the greatest act of faith ever.

Jesus isn’t waiting for you to get your act together before He meets you.

He’s ready now.