Five Steps to Mental Health

Sermon OverviewScripture Reference: Philippians 4:4-8Even the strongest Christian can struggle with mental health. Many of us find ourselves shackled by the chains of disappointment, depression, anger, and fear. While in prison, weighed down by real chains, the Apostle Paul wrote about the freedom we can have in Christ. In Philippians 4, he reveals five steps to mental health.Rejoice in the presence of the Lord.“Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand” (Philippians 4:4-5). Paul knew he was not alone in his prison cell; the Lord was with him. No matter our circumstance, the joy we have in the Lord is continuous, because Jesus is constant.Adrian Rogers says, “No matter where we are, how lonely the night, how dark the road, how dismal the prison, how big the problem, Jesus Christ is always there.”Rely on the protection of God.“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication…” (Philippians 4:6a).Whatever problem we may face, we can talk to God about it. Worry hurts us so badly, because by definition, it is the idea of being pulled apart; it is useless, wasteful, and wicked. Rather, we can trust God in the big things and the little things.Reflect on the provision of God.“...with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6b). Rather than praying with self-pity, we should be filled with thanksgiving, praying with gratitude for all the Lord has done, and all He will do.Rest In the peace of the Lord.“...and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). The peace of God is what guards us and protects us. We don’t keep this peace—it keeps us.Reflect on the purpose of God.“Finally…whatever things are true… noble… just… pure… lovely… of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8).We can be selective about what comes into our hearts and minds. We must keep our thoughts on the right things, so that we don’t miss the purposes of God.Apply it to your lifeConsider these five steps to mental health today. Pray that you would remember the Lord is near, to rejoice in Him and not in our circumstances. He is our protection, our provision, our peace, and our purpose.