Once when we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a female slave who had a spirit by which she predicted the future. She earned a great deal of money for her owners by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” She kept this up for many days. Finally Paul became so annoyed that he turned around and said to the spirit, “In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” At that moment the spirit left her. (Acts 16:16-18)
Mental illnesses are real and everywhere, destroying the lives of individuals, families, and our communities. The United States alone spends billions of dollars annually on mental health care. And yet, there are no fundamental cures.
Scripture says people are unhappy because they have been separated from God, the very source of happiness. They may acquire things of the world but no peace and rest. In pursuit of happiness, people turn to all kinds of things in life, but they provide only temporary relief from their present reality. Scripture explains why: People cannot escape from the power of Satan, sin, and hell (Ac 10:38).
God so loved the world that He sent His Son Jesus as the Christ to destroy the devil’s work (1 Jn 3:8). Jesus gave us the promise of healing to our mental illnesses when He said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Mt 11:28).
Like Paul in Today’s Word, when you realize who Jesus is and know the spiritual authority God has given to you, the forces of darkness will collapse in your life.
If you or someone in your family has been struggling with severe mental issues, know that God has a unique plan for you and your family. Commit your situation to the Word of God. “For the Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Heb 4:12).
Remain in the Word proclaimed at your local church (Ac 2:42-47; Ac 11:19-30). With the help of ministers of the Word, continue to feed your soul, heart, and mind with the Word (Ac 13:1-12; Ac 16:16-18; Ac 19:8-20). Discover the rhythm of your life through prayer. Team up with your family to fight the battle against the enemy.
Only Christ, the kingdom of God, and the Holy Spirit can ultimately defeat the power of mental illnesses. God promised you the power from above. You and your family will be Christ’s witnesses, bringing God’s healing to your community (Ac 1:8).
Prayer. Father, You have searched and know me in the deepest part of my life. I come to You as I am. I commit my life to You and Your Word. May Your Word heal my soul and spirit, joints and marrow, the thoughts and attitudes of my heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.