What does the Bible say about mental illness?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that those who suffer mental illness are not abandoned by God, but are invited to bring their fear, weakness, and distress to him in faith while receiving compassionate care from others. Psalms 34:17-20 portrays the Lord as near to the brokenhearted, and Philippians 4:6-7 calls believers to pray, trusting God’s guarding peace. Isaiah 41:10 and 2 Timothy 1:7 remind God’s people that his presence and Spirit strengthen them amid fear. Jesus showed mercy to afflicted people in Matthew 4:24 and Matthew 17:14-20, while John 16:33 acknowledges real trouble in this world. Christians should cast anxieties on God, seek wise help, and bear one another’s burdens, knowing Christ’s grace is sufficient in weakness.
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Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Psalms 34:17-20
[17] The righteous cry, and Yahweh hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles. [18] Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves those who have a crushed spirit. [19] Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But Yahweh delivers him out of them all. [20] He protects all of his bones. Not one of them is broken.
- Philippians 4:6-7
[6] In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. [7] And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
- 2 Timothy 1:7
For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.
- Isaiah 41:10
Don't you be afraid, for I am with you; don't be dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you; yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.
- Matthew 4:24
The report about him went out into all Syria. They brought to him all who were sick, afflicted with various diseases and torments, possessed with demons, epileptics, and paralytics; and he healed them.
- John 16:33
I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world."
- 1 Peter 5:7
casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you.
- Matthew 17:14-20
[14] When they came to the multitude, a man came to him, kneeling down to him, saying, [15] "Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is epileptic, and suffers grievously; for he often falls into the fire, and often into the water. [16] So I brought him to your disciples, and they could not cure him." [17] Jesus answered, "Faithless and perverse generation! How long will I be with you? How long will I bear with you? Bring him here to me." [18] Jesus rebuked him, the demon went out of him, and the boy was cured from that hour. [19] Then the disciples came to Jesus privately, and said, "Why weren't we able to cast it out?" [20] He said to them, "Because of your unbelief. For most assuredly I tell you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.
- Acts 20:35
In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring you ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
- 2 Corinthians 12:9
He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me.
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