Giving
Welcome to Refinery Life Australia.
This week we continue our series dealing with the topic, The Problem of Pain and Suffering.
The messages come from the heart of one who has experienced suffering in those dear to Him.
Today we are talking about The Ministry of Christ to Mental Health.
Text
Philippians 4:13 AMP
I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]
Scripture Reading
Philippians 4:6-13 AMP
6 Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God.
7 And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].
8 Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace, whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think continually on these things [center your mind on them, and implant them in your heart].
9 The things which you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things [in daily life], and the God [who is the source] of peace and well-being will be with you.
God’s Provisions
10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord, that now at last you have renewed your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned about me before, but you had no opportunity to show it.
11 Not that I speak from [any personal] need, for I have learned to be content [and self-sufficient through Christ, satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or uneasy] regardless of my circumstances.
12 I know how to get along and live humbly [in difficult times], and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret [of facing life], whether well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need.
13 I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]
Prayer
In Jesus name we pray.
Amen.
Introduction
Many people are breaking under the stress of today’s problems.
Rising numbers of people are being diagnosed with mental disorders, and more than ever are being treated with drugs and spending time in mental hospitals.
Because of a sense of shame or embarrassment and because insurance companies often won’t pay treatment costs, many people are not receiving the help they need.
Christ, the Great Physician who came to help the sick, ministers to our mental as well as our physical health.
- Overcome anxiety through faith.
If anyone had grounds for anxiety, the apostle Paul did.
He faced limitations of physical health, suffered night and day from a thorn in his flesh, and was brutally mistreated.
He was imprisoned, shipwrecked, beaten, stoned and dragged out of the city and left for dead.
Yet he told of the secret of God’s peace in Philippians 4:6, Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God.
Paul lived a life of faith.
2. Overcome inadequacy through divine strength.
Many people suffer from such an appalling sense of inadequacy that they cover their feelings with a crust of pride.
Others turn to daydreaming and live in a world of make believe.
The Bible says in John 1:12, But to as many as did receive and welcome Him, He gave the right [the authority, the privilege] to become children of God, that is, to those who believe in (adhere to, trust in, and rely on) His name.
God gives us strength to face our weaknesses and overcome them.
Is your life plagued by an inferiority complex, is it haunted by inadequacy, and lived in fear, are you unable to speak in public?
Surrender your life to Jesus and it will be changed!
3. Overcome resentment through love.
People get stung by the circumstances of life and in turn turn to bitterness.
They become bitter because they have not received as much ability as others, or have not been loved by their families, or have faced too many hardships.
There is a practical reason why the Bible tells us to love, the basic cause of our resentment is our failure to love.
It is for want of love that the personality disintegrates.
Bitterness imprisons, love releases life.
Bitterness paralyses, love empowers.
Bitterness sickens, love heals.
Bitterness blinds us to life, love opens our eyes to the needs of those around us.
4. Overcome aimlessness and depression through the guidance of Christ.
Paul said in 2 Timothy 1:7, For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].
Christ gives His people mastery over all evil impulses and destructive moods.
He saves us from an aimless life by giving us something to live for.
Being a Christian does not solve all our problems, but Christ always provides inner strength so we can triumph over them.
5. Overcome guilt through the forgiveness of Christ.
Psychologists tell us that behind many nervous breakdowns, emotional maladjustment, and mental disorders lies a sense of guilt.
We cannot push guilt out of our hearts.
We cannot argue it away.
We cannot simply push it out of our minds and forget it.
There is only one healthy way to rid ourselves of guilt, through confession, repentance, forgiveness, and a new start with Christ.
Psalm 32:1 says, Blessed [fortunate, prosperous, favored by God] is he whose transgression is forgiven,
And whose sin is covered.
Conclusion.
Christ brings happiness and health to those who follow Him.
David counselled his soul, in Psalm 103:1-5,
Praise for the Lord’s Mercies.
1 Bless and affectionately praise the Lord, O my soul,
And all that is [deep] within me, bless His holy name.
2 Bless and affectionately praise the Lord, O my soul,
And do not forget any of His benefits;
3 Who forgives all your sins,
Who heals all your diseases;
4 Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you [lavishly] with lovingkindness and tender mercy;
5 Who satisfies your years with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the [soaring] eagle.
We would do well to follow David’s advice and praise the Lord for His provision for our health and our forgiveness.
Until next time
Stay in the Blessings
Giving
I really want to encourage you to be diligent with your Bible study time, because God has so much more for us than we can get from just going to church once or twice a week and hearing someone else talk about the Word.
When you spend time with God, your life will change in amazing ways, because God is a Redeemer.
Theres nothing thats too hard for Him, and He can make you whole, spirit, soul and body!
You’re important to God, and you’re important to us at www.refinerylife.org
When it comes to prayer, we believe that God wants to meet your needs and reveal His promises to you.
So whatever you’re concerned about and need prayer for we want to be here for you! Or even if you just want to say Hi, you can contact us
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