"My mental health struggles mean I'm not spiritual enough or strong in faith."
How it sounds in your head: You're dealing with anxiety or depression and people say 'just pray more' or 'read your Bible.' Like if you were really strong spiritually, you wouldn't struggle mentally. It feels like mental illness equals spiritual failure.
"Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God."
-- Psalm 42:11Religious lie that mental health is spiritual weakness, rooted in misunderstanding of how God made our brains and bodies.
Church people have implied you just need more faith. You've heard 'Christians shouldn't be depressed.' When you pray and still feel anxious, it feels like something's wrong with YOUR faith.
Right after calling down fire from heaven and defeating 450 prophets of Baal, Elijah sat under a tree and prayed to die, saying 'I've had enough, LORD. Take my life.' God didn't rebuke him for lack of faith—He sent an angel with food and let him sleep.
I REFUSE the lie that mental health struggles mean I'm not spiritual enough. IT IS WRITTEN that David wrestled with depression and was still a man after God's heart. Elijah had suicidal thoughts and God sent comfort, not condemnation. IT IS WRITTEN that there is NO condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. My mental health does not define my spiritual standing. I am righteous by the BLOOD, not by my brain chemistry. God made my mind and body, and He's not disgusted by my struggles. I am under the BARAK blessing—healing and wholeness are mine. I receive help without shame.
The Father isn't standing over you with arms crossed saying 'pray harder.' He's sitting under the tree with you like He did with Elijah, sending angels with food and rest, running toward you with compassion for every anxious thought and depressive episode.