Faith and healing
How should faith be part of healing?
Faith matters deeply when you’re struggling. So does good care. Christians don’t have to choose between them.
The short answer
Pray, stay close to God and lean on your church family, and also get practical help. A doctor, counselor or therapist can treat what you’re going through, the same way a doctor treats a broken arm. Struggling with your mental health isn’t a sign of weak faith, and getting help isn’t a lack of trust in God.
When Jordan studied this question in 2020, his answer had three parts. Put your faith in the Lord and pray to Him in your struggle. Be practical too: “if you are dealing with something critical you should seek out help from proper physicians.” And don’t go it alone: “What we can do as Christ followers is work together to make sure that no one ever feels abandoned and everyone knows that their voice will be heard no matter the situation.”
Jesus came, Jordan wrote, “to teach us how important it was to have community with one another, and by not talking about mental health we are only adding to the divide.” That is still the heart of this site.
Five passages for anyone who is struggling
These are the passages Jordan chose for his capstone, with his reflections on each.
John 15:4
Remain in me, and I in you. As the branch can’t bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you, unless you remain in me.
Jordan’s reflection: The presence of faith in someone’s life is super important. When someone truly gives their life to Christ, they will no longer feel the anxiety that they felt when they were alone, because they know that God will always be with them no matter what.
Philippians 4:6–7
In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
Jordan’s reflection: Paul, in his closing words to the church in Philippi, seeks to encourage them amid any trial they may be experiencing. We can see his effort to turn their eyes from anxiety to prayer, resting in thankfulness for what God has already done. Many who struggle with mental health experience restlessness, anxiety and depression, and are without peace. When we seek Him, we are given in exchange this incredible peace.
Matthew 5:3–6
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.
Jordan’s reflection: In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reveals the “divine dichotomy” between the way the world is and God’s Kingdom. Those who are suffering and hurting, God blesses with a place in His Kingdom and comfort in their pain. We can be encouraged, knowing God knows our needs even before we do, and He fully provides for those needs.
Romans 8:18–21
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which will be revealed toward us.
For the creation waits with eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.
For the creation was subjected to vanity, not of its own will, but because of him who subjected it, in hope
that the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of decay into the liberty of the glory of the children of God.
Jordan’s reflection: To know that even if things may not be going the way that we want, by taking a step back and focusing on the reality that Jesus’ sacrifice gives the right of inheritance to those who are called by His Name, we can rest knowing this truth. Whatever we are experiencing now fails in comparison to what we will experience, that which is promised to children of God.
Hebrews 10:22–25
let’s draw near with a true heart in fullness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and having our body washed with pure water,
let’s hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering; for he who promised is faithful.
Let’s consider how to provoke one another to love and good works,
not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Jordan’s reflection: Verse 23 is foundational biblical truth: God is faithful. Someone experiencing mental illness, or any trial, can find hope and strength in that. Verse 25 calls us not to neglect meeting together. There should be healthy conviction to keep meeting regularly with those who are hurting, so they can begin to heal with consistent care and encouragement.
Jordan’s reflections are from his 2020 capstone, lightly edited. Read the originals on the 2020 capstone page.
Go deeper
Is it okay for a Christian to see a counselor or take medication?
Yes. Counseling and medication are good gifts, not a lack of faith. What the Bible, church leaders and the research say about faith and mental health care.
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