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2 | “Comfort From the Scriptures”The Watchtower (Public)—2023 | No. 1
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2 | “Comfort From the Scriptures”
THE BIBLE SAYS: “All the things that were written beforehand were written for our instruction, so that through our endurance and through the comfort from the Scriptures we might have hope.”—ROMANS 15:4.
What That Means
The Bible contains comforting thoughts that can give us the strength and endurance we need to cope with negative patterns of thinking. The Bible’s message also gives us hope that emotional pain will soon be a thing of the past.
How This Can Help
We all deal with feelings of distress at times; but those who suffer from depression or anxiety may struggle daily with relentlessly painful emotions. How can the Bible help?
The Bible provides many positive thoughts that can replace negative ones. (Philippians 4:8) It can truly fill our mind with comforting and soothing thoughts that will help us control our emotions.—Psalm 94:18, 19.
The Bible can help us to counteract the thought that we are worthless.—Luke 12:6, 7.
Numerous Bible passages reassure us that we are not alone and that God, our Creator, completely understands our feelings.—Psalm 34:18; 1 John 3:19, 20.
The Bible promises that God will put an end to painful memories. (Isaiah 65:17; Revelation 21:4) When we are suffering from disturbing thoughts and emotions, we may find that this promise gives us the strength to go on.
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3 | Benefit From Bible ExamplesThe Watchtower (Public)—2023 | No. 1
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3 | Benefit From Bible Examples
THE BIBLE DESCRIBES . . . Faithful men and women who experienced “feelings like ours.”—JAMES 5:17.
What That Means
The Bible’s pages are filled with real-life accounts of men and women who experienced a wide range of emotions. As we read their experiences, we may find a Bible character whom we can relate to.
How This Can Help
We all need to feel understood. But this is especially true when we struggle with our mental health. When we read the real-life experiences of Bible characters, we may identify with them and relate to their thoughts and feelings. As a result, we realize that we are not alone in our distress and we feel less isolated when dealing with anxiety and disturbing emotions.
The Bible records many expressions of those who felt helpless and desperate. Have you ever felt, ‘I just can’t take it anymore’? Moses did, as did Elijah and David.—Numbers 11:14; 1 Kings 19:4; Psalm 55:4.
The Bible tells us of a woman named Hannah who felt “extremely bitter” because she could not have children and was being cruelly taunted about it by her rival wife.—1 Samuel 1:6, 10.
The Bible tells of a man named Job whom we may relate to. Although being a man of faith, he suffered from deep emotional distress and once said: “I loathe my life; I do not want to go on living.”—Job 7:16.
By learning how these Bible characters successfully dealt with negative patterns of thinking, we too can find the strength we need to cope with our distresses.
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4 | The Bible Offers Practical AdviceThe Watchtower (Public)—2023 | No. 1
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4 | The Bible Offers Practical Advice
THE BIBLE SAYS: “All Scripture is . . . beneficial.”—2 TIMOTHY 3:16.
What That Means
While not a medical textbook, the Bible offers practical and beneficial advice. This advice can help a person who is struggling with mental health difficulties. Consider some examples.
How This Can Help
“Healthy people do not need a physician, but those who are ill do.”—MATTHEW 9:12.
The Bible acknowledges that we may need to seek medical treatment. Many have found relief by learning what they can about their mental illness from reliable sources and by getting qualified professional help.
“Exercise is good for your body.”—1 TIMOTHY 4:8, Contemporary English Version.
Investing time and energy in healthy habits may help improve your mental health. Such habits include sticking to a regular exercise routine, following a healthy diet, and getting enough sleep.
“A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit saps one’s strength.”—PROVERBS 17:22.
Reading encouraging Bible passages and setting reasonable and reachable goals can help maintain a happy spirit. A positive and hopeful attitude can help you to stay emotionally balanced as you cope with your mental health challenges.
“Wisdom is with the modest ones.”—PROVERBS 11:2.
You may find that you are not able to do everything that you want to on your own, so willingly accept the help of others. Friends and family likely want to help you, but they may not know what to do. Let them know what would be especially helpful to you. Be reasonable in what you expect, and always be thankful for the help they provide.
How the Bible’s Practical Advice Is Helping Sufferers
“I felt that something was not right with me, so I consulted a doctor. She was able to diagnose my condition. This helped me to accept the reality of my situation and to learn about available medical options to better care for my health.”—Nicole,a who suffers from bipolar disorder.
“I have found that reading the Bible regularly with my wife helps me to start each day with positive, upbuilding thoughts. And often on days when I’m struggling to cope, a particular verse will touch my heart.”—Peter, who suffers from depression.
“It was difficult to tell others about my struggle because I was very ashamed. But a close friend was so understanding and empathetic. She really helped me to feel better and to feel that I was not alone.”—Ji-yoo, who struggles with an eating disorder.
“The Bible has helped me to be balanced and reasonable when it comes to work and rest. Its wisdom has helped me to deal with the emotional problems that plague me.”—Timothy, who copes with obsessive-compulsive disorder.
a Some names have been changed.
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