Caregivers and family members of those suffering from brain disorders such as bipolar understand that it is the illness that makes the person behave the way they do.
The righteous cry out, the Lord hears and he rescues them from all their afflictions. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, saves those whose spirit is crushed. PSALM 34:18-20
One of the hardest things about having a mental illness in this world is experiencing pain without receiving quick-fix answers and consistent happy endings. Overwhelming feelings and struggles never seem to end.
Why prayer is important?
God doesn’t guarantee us beautiful endings or perfected situations but promises us His presence in every situation we find ourselves in, including mental illness. No matter how much we want to be healed in an instant we can be assured of the presence of God with us every time. Exodus 33:14 “And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
There is hope because our God is bigger and better than we know. The word of God tells us that Jesus suffered pain as well and God understands the cries of our hearts because He created us and knows us intimately.
So today if you are depressed and anxious, weary and worried, please know that God wants to meet you through prayer. Prayer is meant to bring us close to God who holds it all.
Power in collective prayer
Matthew 18:20 “For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”
This verse shows us the importance of fellowship, the church, and the importance of being connected in prayer with other believers because if there are only two or three people there, then Jesus is there too.
Call the faithful brothers and sisters of the church and ask them to pray for your mental health instead of staying away from church on Sundays and not going to church. Jesus said that He would build “His” church and the gates of hell (death) won’t ever stop it (Matt 16:18).
Here is a prayer that you can say for yourself or a loved one suffering from mental health issues:
Heavenly Father, I come before you to ask for complete restoration and healing of my mind.
Thank you Jesus for you were fully human and experienced all the suffering and pain that we feel and so you understand the complexities of the human brain.
I lay this mental illness before you, God, and surrender completely to your will for you have paid the price for my freedom.
Come, Holy Spirit bring balance, correction, and wellbeing to my mind. Remove the confusion and pain of my past and the confusion of my present.
Give my life a new direction and hope for a future of breaking free from mental illness. Lord, I trust in the power of your love and grace, and the freedom that is found in you.
I receive forgiveness of sin and grace in my life in the name of Jesus, Amen
