Wagon Wheel Homestead

Verse of the Day: John 5:1-15

For those of you that have been following along, this was my third week attending an Orthodox Christian church. The topic this Sunday was Jesus healing the paralytic man that was paralyzed for 38 years at the Pool of Bethesda. A very powerful message was preached that I feel many adults and youth especially could benefit from.

Before I get into today’s main reason of the post, I want to share some things. I come from a nondenominational background. Orthodox Christianity is different for me. The music for one is different, it’s not a concert before service. The music sounds older, ancient, and powerful. I truly have grown fond of it. I didn’t need the song book for most it this week. The hymn Christos Anesti has been a favorite for me! This is sung during Pascha and for 40 days after.

Pascha is Greek for Passover. Pascha is celebrated for 40 days. The 40th day is Ascension Day. This is when Jesus went to Heaven 40 days after his resurrection. After this, 10 days later is Holy Pentecost. Pentecost celebrates the apostles and other believers receiving the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4).

Many people today suffer with mental health problems. Instead of dealing with the issue head on, psychopharmacology options are brought to the surface of a care plan. Medications may help with the symptoms (anxiety, depression, PTSD, etc.) but what most people fail to realize is the meds do not make your problems magically go away. You still have to deal with your issues. Medications for mental health are just a band aid, not a cure.

When we look at the psych field, every mental illness is an explanation of a type of spiritual attack. The bible states we as Christians will go through trials and tribulations. We will go through troublesome times; there is no doubt about that. Now I am not saying that we may not experience some mental health issues from a bad experience, trauma, etc. but we need to overcome our issues and stop accepting and coming into agreement with chronic mental health issues.

God may allow things to happen in our lives for a greater purpose. There is always a reason for the things that happen in our lives. I for one can certainly tell you from personal experience how true that statement is.

I believe there is a problem with our spiritual health around the world, and very prevalent within the U.S. Lets all dig deep and find our faith again and grow with God instead of away. We have free will and I am not here to shove anything down people’s throats. Do what you want to do, as I am not the one you’ll have to answer to for your own actions.

I want to see people have faith that God is going to work in their lives. I want to see people rejoicing and sharing what God has done for them in their lives. But for that to happen, you need to allow God into your life and invite Him in.

During our lives, we need to start facing our issues head on. When it comes to mental health, we need to ask why we have it. What caused it? Why are you letting it be a focal point in your brain? If there is a specific thing that cause it, deal with it! You cannot continue to live life as a victim and expect others to tip toe around you or let it control your mind and thoughts.

I used to have bad chronic anxiety for many years. I identified the problems that caused it and prayed. I allowed God to work in me and take the anxiety from me. As I am not called to live an anxious life. Granted I still have some days where I am anxious for no reason, but those days are few and far between now. When I get anxious, I pray, listen to worship music, and keep pushing forward in the day. That was the only thing that truly got my anxiety to leave.

I do not allow anxiety to control my life anymore. I want to see others overcome it was well! I know, easier said than done, but you have to put the work in and take control of your mind. If you do not put the work in, guess what, nothing will change. God will restore us and give us an undeniable testimony of faith like never before.

Moral of the story is to put your faith in God and allow your mind to be healed. It may not happen immediately, but keep the faith.

God Bless, Christos Anesti!