Mental illnesses and the Power of God

I had a conversation with my sister n law and the subject of anxiety came up. Her mom her is ruled by it and she gave me examples how it affects her. As this conversation progressed it caused me to wonder about how the Power of GOd works in these things as opposed to the used of medicine. I also found that this anxiety actually is through her family which includes her mom and 2 sisters and if they are all in a room her mom will cause them to all freak out over nothing simply by stressing about nonsense stuff. It comes down to vain imaginations but those imaginations take root and cause disorder to the body to the extent that it literally cause a phobia that should not have to exit. This was my first thought when I heard this,

Now, this kind of stuff can lead to paranoia as well as other deeper mental issues. Does anyone know of cases in which individuals had these things and God delivered them from it vs. using medicine to cope with it?

I didn't see any messages in regards to this and I wonder how the power of God works through these types of cases. Oftentimes it seem that medicine is the only answer. But is it really?

John

That is quite a scenario! I have a co worker who is bipolar and when she talks about her I find out that it runs through her family yet I often wonder about the Power of God against the generations of influence with this thing and accepting it and living with it.

Some years ago, in college, by reason of a traumatic event, I developed past-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD]. It was awful. Like clock-work, at dusk, my insides would begin to tighten up, and my heart would pound quite painfully. I couldn't sleep! By the mercy of God, I met a brother who correctly assessed I was being tormented by a spirit of fear. He not just ministered to me but taught me how to stand against that wickedness. It was tough because I had passively believed it was a natural consequence of my trauma. The Lord did have mercy on me and delivered me.

That experience opened my eyes to another side of mental conditions and the spiritual reality.

'Faith like Potatoes' is a movie that shows another way of looking on our unique personalities and temperaments in the light of God's grace.

I want to add a follow up question. The last few days this question has been on my heart in regards to my sister n law's mom. Brothers mother n law. She has several stress anxiety and it rules her life. She grew up Catholic. She has attended pentecostal churches but I think it is because she is very outspoken and pentecostalism caters to that. I don't believe she is a christian. Only God's grace can heal. What I seemed to hear in my being was to exhort her to go to the book of Psalms and read them and pray them to God. When she begins to have these anxiety attacks she needs to cling to those scriptures that she likes and pray to God through them.

This came about because after I heard details on her anxiety I asked myself.........Surely God can heal such a thing but are their cases in which He has? If so what did that look like. On Tuesday this 'impression' came to me of what I shared. So I asked the question on this board as well as another board. On this other board I asked for specifics on healing and I was given an instance on how someone was healed of depression. Then on Facebook I found someone healed of depression as well and inquired what they did to fight through it. It all seemed to ring a bell so then I think, am I hearing God in this?

I only see this lady a few times a year so I would have to relay it to my brother to tell his wife, or tell his wife directly to tell her mom.

John

John, first I'd strongly recommend you find out 'do they really, truly want to be healed?' This is a critical question when entering healing and deliverance ministry.

Second, I'd challenge your belief that 'she isn't a Christian'. This belief is irrelevant to your in-laws mother's healing. Since Christ healed believers and unbelievers alike. Also, this belief could be an avenue the enemy uses. Turning it into pride, arrogance, or another kind of hold. Be aware of this and ask the Lord.

Third, when entering this kind of thing. Keep in mind there are no templates. This might create anxiety but the Lord is good. If we abide in Him, He will create the fruit. Rest in Jesus, He will lead you, guide you, provide insight to next steps (if they are needed), or lead you away onto something else. Be aware of what God is saying to you. Be humble.

Fourth, I don't believe that you can 'make a mistake'. Rest in this. Because the power is in Jesus. Don't say 'thus says the Lord' unless you truly know it is from Him. Be humble that you might not have all the answers. Be like warm clay. Leave it up to the other person to decide. Even if you did 'make a mistake', your humility is something God can work with and use.

Brother, I pray the Lord directs your steps.

Thank you for these words. Your very first comment was the first thing that came to my mind when this happened. Some people are content in their ills. I have wondered if she is content to live with the anxiety even though she takes medication but, from what I understand, she cuts it way down that is not prescribed by a doctor. Cuts a pill in quarters and says it helps her. The fruit shows it does not.

I am going to contact my brother on this and ask him to relay the message unless his wife happens to be around. Going to be specific with it and see what happens. It exciting and scary at the same time.

John