But God reveals that Job\u2019s problems were not punishment for sin. Sometimes troubles come into our life because we live in a fallen world where\u00a0 <\/span>troubles naturally exist.<\/span><\/p>\n Even though we know that a disease is not caused by a specific sin, our mind jumps to the ancient conclusion: If you have a problem, it is your fault because you lack enough faith. Repent and all will go well. <\/span><\/p>\n But repenting does not cure diabetes. There is no shame in taking meds for diabetes. Nor is shame found in taking meds for high blood pressure. But when troubles come and we don\u2019t understand we blame the victim.<\/span><\/p>\n And so like Job\u2019s friends we make the assumption the victim is at fault.<\/span><\/p>\n And like Job\u2019s friends we particularly respond with blame or shame for someone diagnosed with a mental illness.<\/span><\/p>\n One of four families in our churches are dealing with a member with a mental health diagnosis.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n There are many kinds of mental illness, like depression, anorexia, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or PTSD. There are several categorizes for these illnesses as well. Everyone\u2019s experience is different. Each person\u2019s illness has different symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n What are some of misconceptions we make about mental illness?<\/span><\/p>\n But the problem is God does care about our feelings. \u201cThe Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those crushed in spirit\u201d Ps 34:18<\/span><\/p>\n God cares about every aspect of our lives.<\/span><\/p>\n 2. It is wrong to use meds to help our mind.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n The problem is that many mental illness are a dysfunction of the brain. Chemistry and genetics can play a part. Scientist are still discovering the complex etiology of mental illness. Not taking medicine to help correct these imbalances is irresponsible to yourself, and to your family.<\/span><\/p>\n 3. In an attempt to be helpful people will say many things.\u00a0 <\/span>\u201cI know what you mean, I got depressed for a few days.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n The problem is the \u201cblues\u201d are totally different than clinical depression. Usually those who make those remarks are trying to be empathetic and mean well. But end up hurting more than helping their friends.<\/span><\/p>\n 4. \u201cOh just get over yourself. I wish I could lose weight.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n People who are comparing themselves to your disease reveal they have no idea how painful anorexia is. \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n 5. \u201cThose with metal illness are not trying hard enough.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n While we would never say to someone with cancer or heart disease, \u201cjust get over it. Jump out of that bed and get going.\u201d This is the advice given to mental illness by other church members.<\/span><\/p>\n The problem is that we think mental illness occurs because an individual lacks self-will. Theologically we believe that we find life and meaning through God\u2019s grace, through His action of love for us through Jesus Christ. We do not find life by the efforts of our own self will.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWalking down the street, Jesus saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked, \u201cRabbi, who sinned: this man or his parents, causing him to be born blind?\u201d<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n Jesus said, \u201cYou\u2019re asking the wrong question. You\u2019re looking for someone to blame. There is no such cause-effect here. Look instead for what God can do. We need to be energetically at work for the One who sent me here, working while the sun shines. When night falls, the workday is over. For as long as I am in the world, there is plenty of light. I am the world\u2019s Light.\u201d <\/i>Matt 9:3-5 1-2<\/span><\/p>\n Bible teaching helps us during times of difficulties such as mental illness.<\/span><\/p>\n The Bible teaches that we are to comfort each other.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span>\u201cPraise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.\u201d<\/i> 2 Corinthians 1:3-7<\/span><\/p>\n\n
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