Mental Health Sunday Devotional - Day 3

GOD IS WITH YOU

SCRIPTURE READING: PSALM 23:5

While Psalm 23:1-4 reminds us of the shepherd-like qualities Jesus offers us, verse five extends even more intimately to express how God is inviting us in as our host, preparing a table and anointing with oil.

"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." Psalm 23:5

Take note of the enemies in this scenario. Does David point out that he's completely healed of all fear, danger, and unknowns as he enjoys the prepared table at his host's home? Does he suggest he will never struggle again? No! This table is prepared in the presence of his enemies.

Similarly, you may take a look at your own life and wonder why you still struggle with certain emotions, fears, or anxieties. Perhaps your past holds painful memories, or you have experienced a cycling back to old emotions you thought you had completely overcome.

THE COMFORT DAVID WANTS US TO HOLD ONTO IS NOT THE ABSENCE OF ENEMIES BUT THE VERY PRESENCE OF GOD IN THE MIDST OF THEM.

God is with you.

Your enemies, the mental struggles you combat daily, the emotions you work through, may have an influence in your life, but they are powerless in comparison to God's presence. The hospitality of our Father invites you in-enemies and all! He's not afraid of them.

We find countless examples of God inviting in, empowering, forgiving, and "preparing a table" for those who dealt with thoughts of suicide (Elisha), depression (David, Job), fear and anxiety (Jonah, Moses) and ruminating thoughts (Martha). Not only did He extend love to them, but He also used each of these people in powerful ways as a testimony of His grace in spite of their weaknesses.

Struggling isn't going to separate you from God. It's going to amplify your testimony for what He does through your struggling.

What emotions, mental health struggles, or thoughts do you think prevent you from experiencing the grace and love of Jesus today?

Let's hear what Paul reminds us of in Romans 8:38-39.

FOR I AM CONVINCED THAT NEITHER DEATH NOR LIFE, NEITHER ANGELS NOR DEMONS, NEITHER THE PRESENT NOR THE FUTURE, NOR ANY POWERS, NEITHER HEIGHT NOR DEPTH, NOR ANYTHING ELSE IN ALL CREATION, WILL BE ABLE TO SEPARATE US FROM THE LOVE OF GOD THAT IS IN CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD.

ROMANS 8:38-39

When you face days that are wearying, God is with you.

When your thoughts turn dark,

God is with you.

When you're not experiencing healing as quickly as you'd like,

God is with you.

On the days when it's tough to remember, God is with you.

LORD, thank You for being a God who is with us. Thank You for inviting us into Your presence, allowing us to bring all of us-the messy, the broken, the real us. God, we want to know You more and reflect You more in our lives. Give us reminders of Your presence, and give us the courage to tell others how You make all the difference in our lives as we struggle and wrestle with hurts. Amen.