So That the Works of God Might Be Displayed: Finding Purpose in Pain and Peace in Christ

Check out the featured post and read more here: https://www.ibelieve.com/health-beauty/finding-purpose-in-pain.html

“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him” (John 9:3, NIV). 

It’s one of the most debated questions in Christian mental health circles: Is anxiety a sin? Followed suit by its competitor: Is depression a lack of faith? But for many of us, these questions are often ignored or overlooked altogether. We know that many theories and opinions exist on this issue, but instead of addressing it, we avoid the matter. 

The Questions We’re Afraid to Ask

For years, I, too, wrestled with these questions. Many well-meaning individuals told me my problems were “all in my head,” and even my family struggled with how to support me. They’d been raised to believe that medication was okay, but therapy was only for really mentally crazy people. And while they supported me, I couldn’t help but feel judged and marginalized. 

Today, I’ve been in therapy for over six years. It’s not only radically changed my life, but it’s also strengthened my faith in God. I’ve learned coping skills to help manage my anxiety and depression, and identified the truth about what God’s word actually says about mental health struggles. I’ve even recently gotten on a low-dose SNRI to help me better manage my symptoms. I hope all of that is encouraging to you. 

While I could write dozens of posts on my experience with anxiety and depression as a Christian, I wanted to start with what Jesus says about similar conditions. This brings us to the story in John 9.