It seems to me that people are more stressed, anxious and angry these days. As I researched to see if there are studies to prove it, I found that yes, American’s mental health is worse than it has been at any point in the last two decades. Teens seem especially affected. This has always been an issue with this age group but seems especially noticeable today. According to the research, nearly 10% of youth in the United States have severe major depression, and one in four older adults report having anxiety or depression.
WHY
In America, we are easily consumed with our comforts and wealth. We are experiencing a time of prolonged physical and economic suffering which has come as a bit of a shock.
HOW
Here are three strategies, based in Biblical wisdom, that can apply to your own healing:
Live in the Now
Living for the present and not worrying so much is much easier said than done. It’s not healthy to dwell on bad memories and worries all the time. We need to find a way to give our minds a rest by thinking about and appreciating the present.
Here is a technique I use while I take my morning walk with my dog to help me be present.
(1) Slow your heart rate by taking three big, slow breaths. Stop and close your eyes briefly. (2) Focus on your senses. What do you hear/feel/taste/smell? (3) Open your eyes. What do you see around you? (4) Take another deep breath and blow it out slowly. End the exercise with a prayer of gratitude. Thank you God for another day. Thank you for the sunrise this morning and that my feet can take me on this daily walk. Thank you for my coffee and time with you. Amen
Matthew 6:34
34 “So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Philippians 4:6-7
6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Live With a Grateful Spirit
If you are grateful, even for very small things, you will eventually feel a sense of peace with what God has blessed you with. This takes the focus off of the worries and stresses. Even if only for a few moments a day, this will let your mind rest.
We can manage our expectations by learning to be content with what we have and knowing when we cannot change things. When you say, “Thank you, God, for that amazing sunset,” or “Thank you, God, for friends that love us,” they have tangible examples of what it looks like to live with a grateful spirit.
Philippians 4:11-13
11 … I have learned to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Be a Light in this Dark World
The best thing you can do is be an example to others. They may not know God, but they will see something different in you.
Connect with others and share the light.
Matthew 5:16
Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:13-16
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
Emotional Resilience
Emotional resilience lies in finding gratitude and contentment, living in the present, working together, and staying connected. If we can take one step toward each of these goals every day, we can relieve some of the stress, sadness, and worry that is burdening us. Hurting people in communities around the world are using biblical values that are ingrained in their culture to overcome heartache, depression and trauma. Let’s pray for them and learn biblical ways to decrease our stress and anxiety as American Christians.
Your words are inspiring as well as how you love your life! Thank you for sharing the words from Philippians 4. I wrote them down and pasted it on my sons mirror. He can memorize them and use those words when he cannot find words of his own to honor how grateful he is (should be!).