The person who suffers from mind illness is tremendously valuable, especially if they have insight into their thought processes. We still live in days of suspicion and the side-lining of people who suffer depression. Depression is seen as weakness and the people who suffer from it are regarded as less than so-called “normal” people. This is really hard for sufferers to bear and denote prejudice in the thinking of the day. The truth is that anyone can suffer depressive thoughts and if we should falter and fall into illness, it shows we are thinking and feeling people who should be listened to and regarded. The trials are sent to make us dependent on our God and to strengthen our faith. Nothing will do this more thoroughly than a bout of depression.

There is no substitute for the counsel of someone who has been there before and knows their own weaknesses and pitfalls. It is a blessing to have a companion in trouble who is able to empathise and reassure us.

There are characters in the Bible who exhibit the signs of suffering in their mind and we can gain comfort from this. King David, King Solomon, Jonah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Elijah, and so on…. 

God did not throw them off or preclude them from being helpful and being able to minister for His glory. Indeed, God lifted up men and women who saw life differently and obeyed Him and were conscious of God’s presence and voice. Those who are truly useful to Him and full of understanding about the working of the mind and heart that they can comfort the downcast and the lonely. The book of Psalms is a testament to this fact. God’s presence is with those who are humble and who know their own weaknesses and can reach out to other people. King Solomon closely examined “ madness” to show the futility of thinking and feeling. 

God has no favourites and we are all condemned sinners until we meet Him and humble ourselves before Him and repent. He gives gifts to those He loves and sends trouble that we might prove Him. He sends blessing that we might know His pure love and the grace for the undeserving, which is every one of us. God’s mercy ever surrounds the sufferer and will bring about the healing of mind and heart. 

Let sufferers not be led to feel ashamed at their suffering but to praise God for the opportunity to see His gracious hand in their life. Let us give honour to sufferers who know the Lord and trust in Him. God will bless the community as we honour each other and appreciate each other. God is the God of all states of mind and will lead us into all blessing as we quieten our mind before Him.