MANAGING YOUR MENTAL HEALTH IN DIFFICULT TIMES (1)

Read: Philippians 4:6-8

Meditation verse:

““Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6)

The month of May is mental health awareness month, and in the next few days, we will be looking at how we can prioritize our mental health. Part of being human is facing challenging situations. John 16:33, says in this world, you will have tribulation. Life can happen when we least expect and so much gets thrown at us that affects our mental health. The world is filled with people who are broken and bruised due to the trauma they have passed through at one time or the other. And this is dangerous to the healthy functioning. Here are a few strategies to help you manage your mental health amid difficult times:

THE POWER OF PRAYERS. Prayer connects you to a higher source of power. Connecting to a higher power will help you navigate the impossible. John 15:5 says: “I am the vine; you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing”.

THE POWER OF GRATITUDE: Learn to be grateful to God for little blessings. No matter how difficult things are with you, there is always something to be grateful for. Keep a gratitude journal and count your blessings. This will help you stay motivated and focused on the positives around you.

THE POWER OF FOCUS. Be intentional about what you choose to focus on. Whatever you focus on magnifies. If you want to feed a problem, focus on it. Focus on the negative it magnifies, focus on the positive it magnifies. The principle here is selective attention. Choose to focus on the positives, rather than on the negatives. SENSE OF HUMOR: Do not take yourself seriously. Learn to laugh at yourself and mistakes sometimes. Are you able to see the funny side of things? Laughter is therapeutic.

SOCIAL SUPPORT: Who do you surround yourself with in difficult times? Are there people who believe in you and can support you? The journey is easier when you are part of a supportive community. Join a community. You cannot do life alone. Life was not designed for isolation.

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Oke Chinye.
Have you asked Jesus Christ to come into your heart?

He says in Mathew 11:28, “come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” He longs to give you rest."

Would you like to do so now? Here’s a prayer you can say:
Dear Jesus, I believe that You died to save me from all my sins. Today, I invite you into my heart and I accept you as my Lord and Saviour. Please forgive all my sins and help me to live my life for You.

If you prayed this prayer, send me an email at rockteachingministry@gmail.com

I would love to pray with you personally and send you a copy of my book; ‘Living the Life’ to encourage you as you begin your new life in Christ.