Foundations' Blog

Sometimes it’s hard to know what to say, what to do, and how to respond when confronted with challenges. Often our first instinct is to avoid them, ignore them, or pass them off to someone else to deal with them so that we will not take up our time or increase our stress. Oddly enough, this is how many churches and congregants respond to people with mental health struggles. We don’t know what to say or how to help. The struggles seem above and beyond our experience or expertise. We refer them to speak to someone else, give them trite answers, avoid them, or let them know we’ll pray for them and move on. These responses remind me of the parable of the Good Samaritan. 

In Luke 10:25-37, Jesus responds to the question by an expert in the law, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus answers by sharing a parable (30-35):

“A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him, and went away,...

In 1949, Congress passed legislation marking the month of May as Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States. The purpose of this month is to raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with those who struggle with mental health issues. The term "mental health" is not found in Scripture, but it does encompass various aspects the Scriptures teach, including dealing with our emotions, thoughts, spiritual walk, and the suffering in our bodies.

Somehow in the church, there is often this strange belief that having faith in Jesus makes one immune from mental illness.

Somehow in the church, there is often this strange belief that having faith in Jesus makes one immune from mental illness. Some say that if our walk is close to God, we should not suffer from mental illness. Our prayers and our devotion to God should be enough, and if one does struggle with mental illness, their faith is weak, and they need to get closer to God...then they will no longer struggle.

Thankfully,...

In today's often chaotic and increasingly complex world, the importance of mental health awareness cannot be overstated. Mental health struggles affect people from all walks of life, regardless of their faith, background, or status. As a Christian, it is vital to understand the significance of sharing our own struggles with those around us. This honesty is not only beneficial for personal well-being but also for fostering a supportive and compassionate community that reflects the gospel to others, both within and outside of the Church. 

Acknowledging Our Vulnerability
The first step in navigating mental health issues is acknowledging our own vulnerability. We are not God and that’s a very good thing. We’re humble creatures, created by an all-powerful and perfect Creator. Contrary to the common misconception that Christians should have unwavering faith, the Bible reminds us that even the most faithful individuals faced moments of emotional despair and mental...

Through the Christ-centered counseling that Foundations provides, individuals and families can experience how scripture and a relationship with Jesus Christ can help them navigate and even overcome life's challenges. This method of professional counseling recognizes that (without ignoring physical concerns) spiritual issues often lie at the root of the difficulties we face in life, and it allows God's grace to be the solution. In this post, we will uncover some ways this approach to healing facilitates transformation for those who seek it out.

This method of professional counseling recognizes that (without ignoring physical concerns) spiritual issues often lie at the root of the difficulties we face in life, and it allows God's grace to be the solution.

Our counseling is based on God's Word.

Christ-centered counseling affirms that the Bible is the authoritative Word of God and provides guidance for living a fulfilling life. All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable...

Scripture contains a wealth of wisdom when it comes to mental health. For thousands of years, God's Word has helped people cope with and endure their struggles, and it continues to be a source of comfort and guidance for His people today. In this post, we'll explore some of the relevant topics found in the Bible and how they apply to our lives.

Jesus also experienced many emotions and challenges, so He can understand what we deal with in life. Among other things He is our mediator, comforter, and empathizer. 

God Cares About Our Mental Health

The Bible is full of passages that emphasize God's care and compassion for His people. For example, Psalm 34:18 reads: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed." This verse reminds us that God cares deeply about our mental well-being and is always there to offer comfort and support. Jesus also experienced many emotions and hardships, so He can understand what we deal with in life. Knowing that...