Biblical Answer

The Impact of Our Daily Choices on Our Mental Health

When we're feeling anxious or stuck, it's natural to seek relief from our daily choices. However, as we'll explore, the consequences of these choices can be far-reaching and detrimental to our mental health. In Proverbs 15:33, it's written, "The fear of the Lord is knowledge of His teachings, and the one who keeps His commandments will have a long life, without worry and anxiety" (HCSB). This verse highlights the importance of cultivating a relationship with God and prioritizing His teachings in our lives.

Our daily choices can either exacerbate or alleviate anxiety and feelings of being stuck. For instance, when we focus on trivialities and distractions, we may experience temporary relief from our emotions, but our heart will still be famished. This is because our emotions are driven by deeper issues that need to be addressed. As C.S. Lewis wrote, "Faith raises the soul above the difficulty, straight to God Himself, and enables one to stand still." When we choose to focus on God and His teachings, we gain a sense of calm and confidence, which can help us navigate challenging circumstances.

Moreover, our daily choices can contribute to the development of mental health issues like depression. Research has shown that individuals who struggle with depression are more likely to experience anxiety, social phobia, and substance abuse. When we're struggling with depression, it's essential to examine our culture and the values we've absorbed that may be contributing to our mental health struggles. By choosing to prioritize God's teachings and cultivate a relationship with Him, we can experience a sense of peace and calm that can help alleviate our anxiety and feelings of being stuck. As we'll explore in the following chapters, this requires a willingness to confront our fears and emotions, and to seek God's guidance and support in our daily lives.