5 Tips to Support Emotional Health From a Biblical Perspective

Emotional health is an important aspect of overall well-being, yet it can be challenging to maintain in today's fast-paced and stressful world. Many people struggle with anxiousness, feeling down, and other difficult emotions that can adversely impact their relationships, work, and daily life. 

As a pastor, I have had countless opportunities to teach and counsel people within the church dealing with these struggles.  If we’re honest, I think we can all agree that everyone deals with negative thoughts and feelings at times.  

I spent years not listening to my own emotions; but after taking (and leading) the Emotionally Healthy Relationships Course by  Pete Scazerro, which shows people how to be honest about and express their feelings from a Biblical perspective, I can articulate what I feel and know how to process my emotions in a healthy way - well, most of the time.

Through studying the Bible, pastoring, and taking the Emotionally Healthy Relationships course, I have learned that there are ways to better understand and manage emotions to support emotional health and peace. 

The purpose of this article is to provide tips and guidance for improving emotional health from a Biblical perspective. 

By implementing these 5 practices, we can find hope and healing, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. 

1. Seek Wisdom from God's Word

The Bible is a valuable resource for understanding God's perspective on our emotions and how to handle them. 

For example, Proverbs 12:25 says "Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad."

This verse reminds us that worrying and anxiety can weigh us down, but that the words of wisdom found in Scripture can bring us joy and peace. 

Additionally, reading and meditating on passages such as Psalm 23 and Isaiah 41 can help us find comfort and reassurance in difficult times.

2. Practice Gratitude

Being grateful for the blessings in our life can help shift our focus away from negative emotions and towards positive ones. 

Expressing gratitude to God for the good things in our life can also help us develop a deeper sense of contentment. 

For example, in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Paul encourages us to "give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 

3. Connect with Others

Strong relationships with friends and family can provide support and encouragement during difficult times. 

Being a part of a community, whether it be at church or in a small group, can also provide a sense of belonging and help us feel less alone. 

For example, Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us to "consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." 

4. Take Care of Your Physical Health

Our physical health can greatly impact our emotional well-being. 

Eating well, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly can help keep our bodies and minds in good shape. 

For example, in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul reminds us that "your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God. You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body." 

5. Trust in God's Plan

Trusting in God's plan for our lives and understanding that He is in control can help ease anxiety and bring peace to our hearts. 

In Proverbs 3:5-6 we read, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths." 

Remember that emotional health is not just about feeling good all the time, but about being able to process and handle all emotions in a healthy way. 

Seeking wisdom from God and his Word, practicing gratitude, connecting with others, taking care of your physical health, and trusting in God's plan can help us develop a strong emotional foundation and an unshakable peace that surpasses all understanding.

Where to Go From Here

1. Identify your feelings and name them (ie: fear, anger, joy) Understand what they are telling you. At Grace Capital Church, we run a course called Emotionally Healthy Relationships.  If you live outside the greater Concord, NH, area you can find a course near you. 
2. When you feel stressed, exercise; this will dump your adrenaline and restore a sense of peace.  For added inspiration, use this 1-month Bible Reading Plan about Fitness. 
3. When feeling anxious or down, get around other people and try not to isolate yourself.   Being around other people helps you not to feel alone.  Sign up for a Life Group at church; this will help you feel connected and known.   Find encouraging Scriptures, write them down, and place them in obvious places like a bathroom mirror or your car's dashboard. Read them out loud each time you see them. 
4. Choose to trust God and not your circumstances.  God sees you and knows your situation.  Tell God often that you trust Him, and you acknowledge he is caring for you.  

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