Peace in the Storm: Mental Wellness for the Faithful

So far this week, we have had some heart felt moments as we looked at emotional and mental health and Christianity. 

We learned that mental wellness is not simply the absence of a diagnosis, rather, it is the presence of emotional balance, spiritual grounding, and the ability to function through life’s challenges. 

So many of us as Christians today continue to struggle with issues such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, mood swings, and other forms of emotional and mental instability. 

We even see examples of persons in Bible days where they went through similar situations. 

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, mental wellness is “a dynamic state in which an individual can cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively, and contribute to their community.” 

For Christians, this includes walking through emotional storms while holding on to the peace that Christ offers. This right there is an art. But this right there is something that each of us needs to master. And we can all do that once we lean on, trust in, depend on our Jesus the Prince of peace.

Let’s look at this: The disciples once found themselves in a literal storm. They were in a boat with Jesus crossing the Sea of Galilee when chaos erupted. 

The story is recorded in Mark 4:37–38, NLT: “But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, ‘Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?’”. 

The storm outside mirrored the storm within them—panic, fear, dread. Many believers experience this kind of inner storm. 

We have many single Christian mothers, for example. 

We work full-time, many serve in the church, and certainly prayer is part of our daily routine. But at night, behind closed doors, our minds recall the many things we should have done that we didn’t get done, either because of lack of time, lack of money, or even lack of motivation. 

Many times, because we are mother and father, doctor, chief cook and bottle washer basically, we simply have no time on our hands to relax and take some time out for ourselves.

And the thing is, although we are around lots of people throughout the day, on the job, at your neighborhood supermarket, at the end of the day, some people feel so alone—drowning in silence. 

If you feel that way today, overwhelmed by the cares of this world, don’t lose faith.

Jesus’ response to the storm is profound: “When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Silence! Be still!’ Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm” (Mark 4:39, NLT). 

Note Jesus didn’t panic. He didn’t rush. He simply spoke peace. And notice also, peace came while the disciples were still afraid.

As the narrative continued, Jesus then turned and asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:40, NLT). 

Again, it is important to note that Jesus was not shaming them—He was pointing them back to the truth: Peace is not found in circumstances. It’s found in the presence of Christ.

Mental illness can no longer be something we don’t talk about. It is real and it is affecting every one of us here.

The goal of mental wellness for the Christian does not mean we’re never shaken. It means we have access to a refuge. 

As Psalm 46:1 (KJV) reminds us, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Not a distant help. Not a delayed help. A present one.

Again, we want to emphasize and recognize the difference between emotional stress and being labeled “crazy.” 

The word “crazy” is often used carelessly. Even yesterday I was talking to my doctor and the word came up as we were discussing this curse in so many families.

We are reminded Family, that emotional overwhelm, burnout, or anxiety are not signs of insanity. Clinical psychosis, defined as a disconnection from reality through delusions or hallucinations, is a specific condition requiring medical intervention. 

Most mental health struggles—like depression or anxiety—do not fall into this category. They are real, valid experiences that need understanding and care, not stigma.

We have heard testimonies of how people even here found healing after talking to a Christian counselor or going to the doctor as we do here in the Caribbean and were prescribed medication.

Among the stresses we face in life today, we must be able to  recognize what triggers us. I am learning this and getting better at dealing with it. Because guess what, these triggers, seeing a particular person, discussing a particular topic, are what sends us into depression, if we allow it.

So we must practice stillness, and speak God’s truth over our emotions. 

This verse can become our anchor: “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” (Isaiah 26:3, NLT). 

This “perfect peace” isn’t perfection—it’s wholeness. It’s the steady calm that comes when trust replaces panic.

Family, Jesus offers this kind of rest to every weary believer: 

“Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest.” (Matthew 11:28, MSG). 

Now this is not a formula—it’s an invitation.

Remember, peace isn’t the absence of storms. It’s the presence of Christ in the storm, and the assurance that we will not be destroyed by it.

As we seek to get well and stay well, emotionally and mentally, let us remember that no matter what winds rage or waves rise, God’s Voice makes the difference. Jesus is still whispering words of comfort to us today.

His Word still speaks: “Peace. Be still.” 

aub - 25Jun25

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Watch on YouTube  Peace in the Storm: Mental Wellness for the Faithful.