Be Honest with God about Your Mental Health
By: Whitney Hopler
Bible Reading:
“Answer me quickly, Lord; my spirit fails. Do not hide your face from me or I will be like those who go down to the pit. Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.” – Psalm 143:7-8, NIV
At George Mason University’s Center for the Advancement of Well-Being, I work on university-wide well-being initiatives – including programs designed to break down the stigma of struggling with mental health. We believe that talking openly about mental health struggles can help all people strengthen their well-being. In Psalm 143:7-8, King David is completely honest about how much he’s struggling with his mental health. He prays about it without holding back, and he tells God that he trusts him to help.
If you’re also struggling with your mental health, you might feel like you have to try to fix your mood before you can talk to God. You might think you need to present a polished prayer to God that makes it seem like you’re not really suffering much. But the Psalms can help you develop a deeper relationship with God by showing you how to communicate honestly with him. Many of the Psalms describe the reality of people suffering in this fallen world. In Psalm 143:7-8, David shows that it’s okay to not be okay.
David starts his prayer with a desperate plea: “Answer me quickly, Lord; my spirit fails.” If you feel like your spirit is failing today, you’re in good company. Many people feel that way sometimes when going through challenging circumstances. Admitting that your mental health is struggling isn’t a sign of weak faith; it’s actually a sign of healthy faith, because it shows that you trust God enough to be honest with him and reach out for help. God already knows what you’re going through, and he’s strong enough to help you with whatever it is – burnout, anxiety, depression, or any other mental health concern.
When you’re honest with God about the “pit” you feel you’re falling into, you can stop wasting energy trying to hide. Whether you’re overwhelmed by your responsibilities, worried about a problem you don’t know how to solve, or feeling lonely because of a broken relationship, God wants to help you. You can come to God just as you are. God wants the real you, not the “Instagram-worthy” version of you. Remember that God is the one who designed your mind and your emotions. Your loving Creator can help you with whatever you’re going through.
As he struggles, David reaches for a lifeline by praying: “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love.” When you’re struggling mentally, your thoughts can run on a loop of worries and self-criticism. You need a different word – a word of God’s unfailing love.
When you seek God’s love, you’re placing your mental health in the hands of the Great Physician. Just pray honestly, from your heart, about your mental health struggles. Then listen for God’s guidance to make the best decisions about caring for your mental health. God may lead you to a counselor, a doctor, a support group, or supportive friends. Just as David prayed for God to “show me the way I should go”, God will show you the way you should go to get the help you need.
So, if you’re struggling with a mental health challenge, remember that you can trust God to love you no matter what and to help you with whatever you need. God is not hiding his face from you; he’s right there with you, waiting for you to reach out and take his hand.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
As you consider why it’s important to be honest with God about your mental health, reflect on these questions:
- When you feel your spirit failing, is your first instinct to hide from God or to pray to God, as David did?
- What are some of the words of unfailing love (God’s promises in the Bible) that you can hold onto when your mental health feels shaky?
- How can being honest with God about your mental health struggles strengthen your relationship with him?
- Who are the people in your life that God might be using to show you the way to the mental health care you need?
- What’s one way you can entrust your soul to God today and let him lead you toward better mental health?
Further Reading:
Psalm 34:18
Matthew 11:28
Philippians 4:6-7
1 Peter 5:7
2 Timothy 1:7
Join the conversation! Share how today’s devotional encouraged or challenged you in your walk with Christ.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Natali_Mis
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Listen to the Jesus Calling Podcast!
Welcome to this special bonus episode of the Jesus Calling Podcast, inspired by the topical themes from Sarah Young’s seasonal prayer devotional Jesus Listens: Prayers for Every Season. Today, we are featuring guests who speak to themes that all of us might be experiencing in this season of winter. As the days grow shorter and the night longer, we are offered a rare gift: permission to stop. This season can be a challenging time for many, and if you are struggling with low spirits, please know you are not alone, and help is available. This episode is an opportunity to honor your weariness, to resist the urge to rush, and to discover the profound healing that happens when we simply let ourselves rest in the stillness. If you like what you hear, be sure to follow Jesus Calling on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
