For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV)
Have you ever suffered in silence because you didn’t want anyone to know you were struggling?
Stats show that a whopping one in five people currently struggle with a mood disorder. The trouble is, they often say nothing and withdraw. To make it worse, the stereotypical Christian response is often a very unhelpful, “Just get over it. You have the joy of the Lord. You’re just not being grateful. You’re just not using your faith.”
That response is based on ignorance, it results in condemnation and shame, and it’s not from God. It tends to keep us quiet and keep you in bondage. The truth is, we need to talk about this because there are many practical solutions that can help. Medications, diet, supplements, counselling and the study of God’s Word to build new heart beliefs are just a few examples.
The heart is where we hold our deepest beliefs. What you believe can either bring darkness and hopelessness, or faith and a positive expectation about the future. The good news is we can replace the lies we believe with the truth of God’s Word.
Don’t ever allow the enemy to convince you that there’s no hope, and don’t allow the fear of what people will think to keep you suffering in silence. You need to talk about what you’re going through. Seek help from a variety of professionals and keep establishing your heart in the Word.
Some of the most incredible people I know have struggled with mood disorders, and it’s not a life sentence. Let’s shed light on this issue, and put an end to the stigma!