Finding the Light in Mental IllnessPrøve

DAY 6 THE WHOLE CITY Thank you for being with me on day six as we study to learn about mental illness alongside Scripture. This week we have come to understand that even in Biblical times, there was a distinction between physical and mental illnesses. The conflict between the mind battling demonic activity and the heart’s desire for the Lord causes what our world classifies as mental illness. We have studied this week about Jesus’ power and authority over the demonic forces. Just yesterday, we came to understand a mental illness may take a lot more effort for us to heal since the enemy fights to win the spiritual battle. These conflicts between our mind and heart allow us to prove our heart’s true desires when God seeks us. Today, in our Scripture, word has spread all over Galilee about the power of healing Jesus has. Mark 1:32-34 says: 32 That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed. 33 The whole town gathered at the door, 34 and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but He would not let the demons speak because they knew who He was. Remember all that has happened this week, Jesus has done on the Sabbath. In verse 32, sunset marks the end of the Sabbath. Therefore, according to their custom, people were allowed to move about and seek Jesus for healing. Two groups of people sought healing: those who were sick and those who were demon-possessed. In another account of this day, Matthew 4:24 specifically notes various diseases and those oppressed by demons. Not only did Jesus heal the man in the synagogue from impure spirits and Simon’s mother-in-law from a fever on the Sabbath, but now crowds were coming as the sun set. In fact, Scripture states it is the whole city coming to Jesus for healing. I know it can feel like you are all alone when struggling with a mental illness. That is another part of the demonic activity. Our enemy can manipulate our minds so easily once he is at battle. He wants us to feel alone in our conflict because that makes it easier to pull us into darkness. I’m leaving you with this thought today: the whole city came to be healed by Jesus. The WHOLE CITY! We are not alone in our struggle. We may hide our conflict from each other, but that does not mean we are the only ones struggling. Jesus healed many that evening and has continued to do so throughout history. I’ll see you tomorrow as we wrap up this week, understanding how to overcome our conflict. SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE: CALL OR TEXT 9-8-8