The Bible does not use the modern term “mental health,” but it addresses the conditions of the mind, soul, and emotions extensively. Scripture recognizes the reality of emotional struggles such as anxiety, depression, fear, and grief, and offers both spiritual truth and practical wisdom to deal with them.
David, a man after God’s heart, often cried out in emotional turmoil:
“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God.” (Psalm 42:11)
He regularly expressed feelings of despair, yet he always returned to hope in the Lord. The Psalms provide many examples of mental and emotional anguish being brought honestly before God.
The Bible affirms that God is near to the brokenhearted:
“The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
Jesus also experienced deep emotional distress:
“My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death.” (Matthew 26:38)
The answer to mental and emotional suffering is not denial or shame, but turning to the Lord in trust, prayer, and obedience:
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)
“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3)
God provides comfort through His Word:
“This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your word has given me life.” (Psalm 119:50)
He also provides the church community to support and bear one another’s burdens:
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
While the root of mental suffering can be spiritual, emotional, or even physical, the Bible encourages believers to renew their minds with truth:
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2)
Biblical mental health is not the absence of trials but the presence of peace through Christ:
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you… Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)
