Mental health and Christianity part 3: Having peace 

Hey everyone, so this week I’ll be talking about having peace because part of taking care of your well-being is having peace throughout life. Now, I want you to get a notebook and pencil or pen out and answer. What does having peace mean to you? The reason why I had you do that exercise is because life can be overwhelming sometimes and knowing what peace is to you can help your mental, physical and spiritual health.  

  For me personally, what peace means is knowing that everything is going to be okay. Because life is crazy and sometimes you just need to take a few moments to yourself and remind yourself that it’s going to be okay. Two excellent verses to remind you of this is John 16:32-33 (NIV); ^“A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.  “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”   Did you catch that last part? “I have overcome the world!” I know this world can be overwhelming at times and life can get crazy. But in Christ you have overcome the world. Because while others may leave you alone you are never truly alone because God is with you always! That’s exactly what these verses are talking about.  Because feeling alone is never fun, that’s something that I’ve felt a few times and one of the things that has helped me is writing and listening to music. 

 As I’m writing I’m listening to Christmas music and my Mom, and I have been decorating our house for Christmas because this year has been hard and sometimes you just need to start decorating for Christmas early. We’re not the only people in the neighborhood that we live in that are decorating for Christmas early this year I’ve seen at least two, maybe three houses decorated for Christmas the past week.  Maybe this year has been hard for you as well for different reasons whether it be losing a loved one, losing your job or anything. I just want to encourage you that it’s going to be okay. Because part of having peace is knowing that it’s going to be okay the other part of having peace is knowing that that Christ is with you always. That’s honestly the reason that Christmas is my favorite holiday because it’s a reminder that Christ came to earth to save us from our sins if we put our trust in him.  

Isaiah 9:6 (NIV) says;” For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”   The reason Christ is called all these characteristics is because he came to this earth to give us another chance at life. That’s what it comes down to and because he’s the best person to ask for advice because while there are people that are good at giving advice Christ is the ultimate counselor which is why I believe he is referred to wonderful counselor in this verse. Plus, Christ is your heavenly father. That’s something I’ve been learning more these past few months since my Dad went home to Heaven.   

Maybe you’re in the same position I’m in this is the first thanksgiving without a loved one whether it’s because of distance or a loved one passing away. I’m here to tell you that Christ is the one that will give you peace through everything you’re going through.  As you’re going through this holiday season, I just want to encourage you to reach out to those who are far away whether they are in another state, or you just haven’t talked to in a while. That’s honestly how it is for my family this year to the point that it’s just my Mom and I this year for thanksgiving for different reasons.  

 
Philippians 4:6 (NIV) says;” Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Did you catch that? “Do not be anxious about anything!” I know from personal experience that it can be easy to get stuck in your head and be anxious. That’s how this year has been for me with different life situations primarily within my family and while I’ve gotten stuck in my head more times than I’d like to admit something that I’ve been reminded of is that God is in control which brings me back to this verse. Through prayer and God anything is possible even if life may not turn out the way you expected it to.  

Before I end this week’s blog post, I have 2 homework assignments for you. The first one is I want you to reach out to at least 2 people related or not to see how their doing and the second one is I want you to either write down or you can also email or send me a message if you need help figuring out this one at least one thing or person that you’re thankful for.  

As I close, if you need someone to talk to, have any questions and prayer requests feel free to email me at homeschoolgradblog@gmail.com or send me a message on Facebook. My Facebook page’s name is faithful. Have a great thanksgiving and thanks for reading!