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It’s OK to Have Jesus and a Therapist
- The Weekly Ledger
- 7 hours ago
- 4 min read
T.L. Sullivan | The Weekly Ledger News | Faith & Encouragement
Curious what Jesus and the Bible say about mental health? You’re not alone. Millions of Americans face challenges like anxiety, depression, and emotional exhaustion — and more people of faith are learning that seeking help is not a lack of belief, but an act of courage.
On Sunday, October 12, at 5 p.m., First Baptist Centre hosted a community discussion on faith and mental health. The event was free and open to everyone, providing a safe space to talk openly about mental wellness from a Christian perspective.
Dr. Steven Fain, a therapist with 40 years of clinical experience and a doctorate in ministry, facilitated the discussion alongside licensed professional counselors Laura Browder and Bill Jordan, and Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office Mental Health Officer Greg Walker. Together, they shared professional insights, faith-based encouragement, and practical tools for caring for both mind and spirit.
Resource tables were available where attendees could connect with representatives from CED Mental Health, NAMI, GriefShare, Recover Out Loud, and other local organizations. Speakers and pastors also remained afterward for questions and one-on-one conversations, helping bridge the gap between faith communities and mental health support.
For too long, mental health struggles were whispered about in churches — often mistaken for weakness or a lack of faith. But God’s Word shows a different story. In 1 Kings 19, the prophet Elijah felt so hopeless he wanted to give up — yet God met him with rest, food, and reassurance. And in Psalm 34:18, we’re reminded, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Faith in the Middle of the Battle
I’ll never forget my first panic attack.
It happened shortly after my father passed away when I was only thirteen. My chest grew tighter and tighter until I could hardly breathe. I didn’t know what was happening, so I sat down, praying it would pass — and eventually, it did. I had no idea this would become a recurring battle in my life, along with seasons of depression.
At the height of my struggle, I felt lost and often asked God “why.” I questioned life, my purpose, and even had thoughts of suicide. Maybe you can relate — wondering where God is in the midst of it all and why it feels like He doesn’t care. Those questions led me to search for what God truly says about mental health.
A quick Bible search reveals that while Scripture doesn’t use the term “mental health,” it speaks often about the heart, the renewal of the mind, and the condition of the soul — all essential to our well-being. In Matthew 22:37, Jesus says to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” Our mental and emotional health matter deeply to God.
To understand what the Bible says about mental health, we have to look back to the beginning. In Genesis 3, sin entered the world, and with it came brokenness — physical, emotional, and spiritual. Just as our bodies can become sick, so can our minds.
The great preacher Charles Spurgeon once said, “The mind can descend far lower than the body, for in it there are bottomless pits. The flesh can bear only a certain number of wounds and no more, but the soul can bleed in ten thousand ways.”
The Bible is filled with stories of people who battled despair — Elijah, David, Job, even Paul. Elijah’s story is one of the most relatable examples. In 1 Kings 19, exhausted and afraid, he fled into the wilderness and wished for death. Yet God met him where he was — not with condemnation, but with care. He gave Elijah food, rest, and gentle encouragement before sending him forward with renewed purpose.
This is a powerful picture of how God meets us in our pain. He doesn’t abandon us when our minds are weary or our hearts are heavy. Instead, He provides what we need — strength, peace, and community.
Faith, Hope, and Healing
Mental illness is not a sign of weak faith — it’s part of living in a fallen world. But just as God uses doctors to heal physical ailments, He also uses therapists, counselors, and support networks to bring emotional and mental healing.
Scripture reminds us that God renews our minds (Romans 12:2), restores our souls (Psalm 23:3), gives us peace (John 14:27), and strengthens us in times of fear (Isaiah 41:10). He works all things together for our good (Romans 8:28) and is near to those who are struggling (Psalm 34:18).
If you are walking through mental health challenges, please reach out. Talk to someone. Join a support group. Speak with a counselor or pastor. You are not alone — and there is hope.
Faith and therapy can work hand in hand. Prayer strengthens the soul, and counseling brings healing to the mind. Both are gifts from a God who loves you deeply.
So, if you’ve ever wondered whether it’s okay to have Jesus and a therapist, the answer is yes — it absolutely is.
It’s okay to have Jesus and a therapist.