Helping you navigate the tension between faith & mental health by looking at a tension point, a talking point and a truth to ponder.

Tension Point

"When I feel depressed, angry or sad, God feels distant. I would be so much closer to God if my feelings didn’t get in the way."

Talking Point

As followers of Jesus, when we feel low, depressed, or despondent, we don’t exactly believe we are at the top of our faith game do we?! The more we experience those tough feelings, the more distance creeps in between us and God. It can sometimes seem like we would be better Christians if we just remained joyful always (whilst ignoring feelings on the inside).

It’s helpful to recognise that feelings haven’t always had a good reputation in the Christian faith. The things people might say (e.g. "Don't be upset, God will work all things out for good!") can come from good intentions, recognising that feelings won’t always lead us to truth. But it can give us the impression that God and feelings don't really mix.

Aside from that, there are so many reasons why feelings such as anger or sadness (to name a couple), are often unwelcome visitors. Our human experiences can shape how we view God. For example, if we weren’t allowed to show those emotions when we were young, if we were told off for them, or even punished for them, it will likely translate that God isn’t a fan of those emotions either, or of us when we feel them.

Truth to Ponder

But what if faith and feelings were created by God to co-exist? The human and the holy? God himself consistently endorses and displays emotions – the whole spectrum of them.

What if in those moments where God seems so far away, we were able to cling on to the truth that God is with us and that He is not angry, ashamed or disappointed in us for having those human emotions? What if, instead, He is actually most present, most kind, most willing for you to share those tough feelings with him, as he gently holds them like precious jewels in his hands.

The Bible tells us that ‘The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit’ (Psalm 34:18)

Could we possibly allow ourselves to imagine or believe that in those tough moments, our God might be sitting directly in front of us, with empathy written on his face and hands outstretched to offer comfort and reassurance that he is not going anywhere and that we are loved through it all.