In the previous four articles of this series, we looked at having good goals for your physical well-being, and now we’ll take a look at your mental health. During your summer schedule, some of you will be experiencing less anxiety (stress, physical tension, worry, nagging thoughts that won’t leave you alone) or less depression (lethargy, loss of interest in fun things, melancholy thoughts). Others of you will be struggling just as much or more. Either way, the time is right for growing in the ability to experience peace and joy.

The Truth about Anxiety & Depression

• Even though you may feel helpless at times, you do have some options when it comes to your views about anxiety and depression. Yes, it’s easier to submit your worries and feelings to your personal opinions or to the mindset of the world – but you can make a harder and better choice to submit them to God. Involving Him in your experiences of anxiety and depression can protect you from the extremes of either completely giving in and being crippled by emotional pain, or from resenting the presence of these hard emotions. (Psalm 139:23-24)
• Anxiety and depression are felt in your body and heart, while also originating in your brain and having an outcome in your thoughts. So, while you may or may not be treating anxiety and depression with rest, medication, or productive service, it’s also helpful to consider how your thoughts are worsening your anxiety and depression and how anxiety and depression are worsening your thoughts. Making Christ a central focus of your day positions your mind to fight against anxiety and depression from infiltrating and capturing your thoughts away from holy things. (2 Corinthians 10:4-6, Philippians 4:8)
• This very second, God has ordained a purpose for you that’s impossible for you to accomplish in your own strength. The more you scramble to live your purpose on your own, the more anxiety and depression you’ll experience. But if you humbly allow the Holy Spirit to work through you to accomplish His purpose for you, like any good summer farmer, you’ll be a part of a most abundant harvest. (Proverbs 1:28-31, John 15:5)

Prayer & Blessing

Diligence is man’s precious possession (Prov. 13:27) and the prideful leave God out of their thoughts (Psalm 10:4).