DAY 27: Thursday, October 27
TOPIC: Mental Health
SCRIPTURE: For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. 1 Cor. 13:12 (NRSV)
OBSERVATION: Mental health has been a hot topic in various contexts for several years now. As our knowledge has increased, so has our awareness of the importance of mental well-being. The implications of our mental and emotional health have risen to new heights in the wake of the "pandemic years." The effects of chronic worry, stress, relational distress and dysfunctional social discourse have all amplified our awareness of the impact our mental health can have on our lives.
While our awareness has increased, access to care has not been able to keep pace. Mental healthcare workers are often overbooked and overworked, while people in need of help struggle to find appointments. It is easy to become overwhelmed, or worse, dismissive of our needs when we become frustrated.
God is with us in our distress. God is with us when we struggle to see outside of our inner turmoil. Perhaps His presence and love will help us to see that we are worth the effort to take care of ourselves and others.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, you have come among us as teacher, counselor, and healer. Help us to grow in our capacity to understand true wellness and to care for ourselves and others. Guide us as we strive to understand and care for our mental health, and empower our care-givers to meet us when we need help. Cast away the stigmas and barriers that impede our well-being, so that we might grow more fully into who you have called us to be. In the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen