Deliverance for Moms Battling Mental Disorder
By Meg Bucher
“For I know that as you pray for me and the Spirit of Jesus Christ helps me, this will lead to my deliverance.” Philippians 1:19 NLT
Paul was writing to the Philippians about how excited he was about the spread of the gospel. Regardless of circumstance, that was always Paul’s focus. Christ lights the path of purpose in our lives, especially when surrounded by darkness we can’t seem to shake. It’s challenging to hold onto what is true despite the wars being waged in and outside our minds. Moms raise other people and untangle our messy minds to lead in the correct direction. The pressure of perfection adds to the pressure I put on myself to pull it together. Instead of piling on to the problem, I had to learn to let go of it and allow the Lord to fight for me.
It sounds cliché- this is how I fight my battles is part of a popular worship song and an anthem for many Christ followers. As a mother battling a mental disorder, it’s become a mantra that keeps my joy in check. It’s funny to me how hard this world is on people who are not perfect, yet Jesus was the only perfect person to walk the Earth. He was perfect because He was fully God and fully man. So moms in the battle for their minds, take heart. We are never alone in it and can embrace joy in the thick of the worst days.
1. Help from the Helper
The most important thing we can do in search of healing and comfort from mental illness is to reach out for help. Begin with a prayer like this:
God, please help me. I don’t know what to do or how to fix what’s wrong, but I know You are my Healer and Helper. I trust You to guide me. In Jesus’ Name, I praise You for the joy nothing can steal from me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Pray to the Healer, and then go where He leads. Start with a trusted physician, Christian counselor, pastor, friend, or peer. Prayerfully discern whom to talk to but talk to someone. God will guide us to those who can help us, pray over us, counsel us, and comfort us. We can find healing on this Earth, so pray for the miracle! If healing doesn’t happen here on Earth, it will happen in Heaven. And the Lord will walk with us all the way there.
2. You’re okay
It’s okay to admit we’re not okay. Who is okay on this side of Heaven? Nothing can steal our joy, but we all know life on this Earth comes with its fair share of trials and hurts. Mom, if mental illness is a burden you bare, it’s okay. It’s not your fault. You didn’t cause it, and it’s not your responsibility to explain why you suffer or heal it alone. Instead, fall into the arms of the One who can comfort and heal you. Rely on His guidance and encouragement to find healing on this side of Heaven, but never allow someone to steal the joy that is rightfully yours. Remember who you are—a child of God, fearfully and wonderfully made. I don’t know why mental health is such a stigma, but He can handle the weight of all we carry. Sickness doesn’t define who we are, He does. It’s a small part of the struggle we all wage in this war, and it can’t steal our identity.
3. Fight for Light
“We are the people he watches over, the flock under his care. If only you would listen to his voice today!” Psalm 95:7 NLT
Mental illness is unfair and unkind to the one carrying it around daily. But no matter how dark the day seems, the Light of the Lord is brighter. It’s our choice to fight to see it. There is light laced in every day. It’s hard, believe me, I know. Dark clouds have personally surrounded me. But, praise God, I have never stopped seeking out the Light. There is a place in my room I sit when things are crashing down on me, and He meets me there every time. I didn’t mean to sit so close to a window, but He did. Literal light. It’s hard, but He’s there. Amplify His voice over all others. He is for you, with you, and loves you for who you are …right now. He will give us what we need daily to be the mothers He has purposed us to be. When we are weak, He is strong. When we feel hopeless, He is faithful to remind us of our joy in Him.
Intersecting Faith and Life:
Motherhood is the best and most challenging …no matter what season we’re in or how we may struggle, God is not calling us to walk aimlessly or alone. So what can you do today to connect with the people He has placed in your life, to help heal you …and for you to help find healing?
Further Reading:
Psalm 95
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Pornpak Khunatorn
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