06/04/2023
"Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you."
— 1 Peter 5:7
Modern psychology improved our understanding and handling of psychological problems. We are becoming more aware of the importance of mental health. I believe that this all started during the height of COVID-19 pandemic. Most of us suffered from depression, overwhelming stress, and anxiety. Sadly, some of us still carry that baggage with them.
The ongoing raising awareness for mental health issues also calls us to rediscover the importance of prayer and contemplation. I once read a Facebook post saying that prayers cannot resolve your mental health problems and note that it came from a Christian community. I was annoyed, asking myself, "Naiintindihan ba talaga ng henerasyon natin ngayon ang kapangyarihan ng dasal at pagninilay?"
And yes, there is a power in prayer and contemplation. You might ask, “how?” The answer is, first, psychological problems are not just rooted in our emotional state, but spiritual as well. Second, and the most important thing, is that…
…they are deeply rooted in God who has experienced troubling situations firsthand.
Jesus was anxious before His arrest. Jesus was disappointed when His disciple Peter left Him after swearing that he wouldn't.
Jesus, before His crucifixion, suffered depression and distress when rejected by the people of Israel.
Jesus suffered from difficulty determining what is real and not (psychosis) on the cross while sweating blood and water.
And Jesus also suffered from partial attachment to reality (neurosis ) on the cross when He said, "Father, Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing." as if His Father is speaking to Him face to face.
These are but mere examples of how Christ experienced what we are currently undergoing in the psychological aspect. Remember this: Religion and spirituality are not a cloak that you will wear during prosperous times, and put it aside in a closet when experiencing troubling moments. Your faith is at its peak during calamities.
We are made in His image. It is not just in physical and spiritual attributes, but in mental and emotional as well. Kaya hindi bago sa Diyos ang mga nararamdaman nating pasakit. Pisikal na aspeto man yan o emosyonal.
When faced with difficulties, regardless how small or big they are, you pray in the words of Jesus in Gethsemane— "Father, take this cup of suffering away from me." And most importantly,
MAGNILAY KA!
Ask yourself, "what would God do when He experiences this?" Or rather, "What did God do when He experienced this?" Mga kapatid, sa panalingin, hindi lang tayo nanghihingi at nagsasalita. Tayo rin ay nakikinig. AUDIAM.
Of course, prayer and contemplation won't suffice on clinical depression as we ought to act as well. Seek mental health experts and junk that "kulang ka lang sa dasal" mentality. However, note that clinical depression is just one side of the coin. Spiritual depression, which subtly connects to that of clinical, may relieve your mental and emotional sufferings. Take this as a first aid kit and also your “maintenance” from Him.
Walang dasal ang nasasayang. Walang dasal na patapon. Sa panahong wala kang makapitan, kapit ka sa Kanya.
- Admin Newmann.
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