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; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake…. Be still and know that I am God.
-Psalm 46:1-3,10
He Gives The Way Forward.
Pay attention inward now.
Not the story of something that happened back then, but the current imprint of that pain, horror, and fear living inside (the individual).
-Dr. Bessel Vanderkok
Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood, adolescence through adulthood.
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Biology- Our genetics and family history
Psychology - Our life experiences and traumas
Sociology – Our environment and stories that shape us
Everyone on earth has experienced trauma to a certain level. Some levels are higher than other, but the key to understand in our recovery is that we can all recover from our trauma. We can heal, and we know this is true, because Jesus said, 'I am the resurrection and the life….'
-Dr. Jim Wilder
Jesus Gives the Way Forward
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
-Matthew 11:28-30
I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.
-John 8:12
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
-2 Timothy 1:7
1 - Embrace the Gift of Limits
The true vocation for every human being is the will to become oneself. It’s counter-cultural, to be sure, but limits are our friend.
-Kierkegaard
Jesus Practiced Health – Honor God with your body.
Jesus practiced Silence and Solitude - Unplug and Renew.
Jesus practiced Presence - Be Mindful and Present.
Jesus practiced an Unhurried Pace - Slow Down.
Jesus practiced Surrender - Trust God with Outcomes.
But he said to me, ‘My Grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weakness, so that the power of Christ may rest in me.
-2 Corinthians 12:9
2 - Embrace the Gift of Boundaries
We need to keep things that will nurture us inside our fences and keep things that will harm us outside.
-Dr. Henry Cloud
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely, I have a delightful inheritance.
-Psalm 16:6
Jesus taught us Examples of How to Be Setting Boundaries.
3 - Embrace the Gift of Community
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and more as you see the Day approaching.
-Hebrews 10:24-25
Being able to feel safe with other people is probably the single most important aspect of mental health; safe connections are fundamental to meaningful and satisfying lives; As long as we feel safely held in the hearts and minds of the people who love us, we will climb mountains and cross deserts and stay up all night to finish projects.
-Besel VanderKolk
4 - Embrace the Gift of Gratitude
Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.
-Matthew 7:24-29
Jesus is the way forward.
What were your main takeaways from this message?
Make a Decision
The Body Keeps Score
Brain Energy
Boundaries
Boundaries Quiz