4 scriptures for peace mental and emotional health
Scriptures to nourish your mental and emotional health
The pages of the Bible are filled with everything we could ever need in this life. Hope, encouragement, wisdom, correction, direction, answers, clarity, and so much more are written in the Bible. They are literally God’s words to us. The importance of mental and emotional health has been on the rise in recent years, but it has always been on the heart of God. Not only does God want us to be physically healthy, but He also wants us to be mentally and emotionally healthy. Consider The Holy Spirit’s words through John: “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” -3 John 2.
It is important to note, that we are a three-part being. We are a spirit, we live in a body, and we have a soul. Our soul is the part of us that consists of our mind, our will, and our emotions. So, when it comes to mental and emotional health, it is a matter of nourishing our souls. James 1:21 tells us to receive with meekness the implanted word of God, which has the ability to save our souls. Our spirits are already saved and going to heaven if we have accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior. However, while we are living on this earth, we must continue to cultivate our souls through the Word of God. With that in mind, I would like to share four scriptures that will do just that.
Whether you are going through a heartbreak, loss, challenge, or just in need of peace. I believe these scriptures will find you where you are and help to nourish your soul- your mind, your will, and your emotions.
Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God! -Psalm 42:11 (NLT)
I love this entire Psalm because, like many of the psalms, it conveys the real, raw emotions of real people who are not afraid to be naked and unashamedly candid with God about how they feel and their mental and emotional state. My favorite part, however, is that no matter how many terrible things they list out about their circumstances, by the end of the Psalm, they have encouraged themself back to hope in the One who is always worth hoping in. The God who has the desire and ability to help them conquer whatever they are going through.
May grace (God’s favor) and peace (which is perfect well-being, all necessary good, all spiritual prosperity, and freedom from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts) be multiplied to you in [the full, personal, precise, and correct] knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. - 2 Peter 1:2 (AMPC)
This verse is helpful when it comes to nourishing our mental and emotional health because it informs us of one of the ways grace and peace can be multiplied or, in other words, significantly increased in our lives. This is through the knowledge of God. Not just any knowledge. But correct and personal knowledge of God. The more we get to know God, the more we experience the peace and grace that comes directly from Him. We get to know God by spending time with Him, reading His Word, praying, and praising and worshipping Him. This intimacy does so much to nourish our mental and emotional health.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear. Even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea. -Psalm 46 1-2 (NKJV)
There are a lot of things that can go wrong around us. Scary things. Worrisome things. Things that are beyond our control. This verse reminds us that even when things seem to be crumbling all around us, it is not beyond God’s control or power. He is always near. Always present. Always ready to help. Because that is the truth, we have no reason to fear.
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self-control. -2 Timothy 1:7 (AMPC)
Anytime we experience fear, we can rest assured it is not from God. This verse assures us of that. But what is the significance of this truth? If God did not give it to us, we are not obligated to accept it. In fact, we should not accept it. Fear tolerated is faith contaminated. I love that this verse goes on to tell us the three things God has given us that are in direct opposition to fear. Power, love, and a sound mind. Power to resist and overcome fear. Love to drive it out according to 1 John 4:18 and to channel our faith according to Galatians 5:6. A sound and disciplined mind to regulate our thoughts against the enemy’s negative and false suggestions.
Meditate on these passages regularly to give your soul the best opportunity to thrive. Another way to make sure your soul is being nourished is by being a part of a community of believers. Hebrews 10:25 reminds us not to forsake assembling together for good reason. If you need help finding a local church that is the right fit for you, get matched to one using this simple questionnaire. Your future self will thank you for it.
