Five Steps to Better Mental Health – According to St. Paul
I was going to pop this on my “Few good links” but thought it worthy of highlighting separately.
Msgr. Charles Pope has put together St. Paul’s five point plan for better mental health based on Philippians 4:11-12:
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your moderateness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
The five extracted point are:
Step I. Rejoice in the Presence of the Lord - The text says, Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your moderateness be evident to all. The Lord is near.
Step II. Rely on the Power of the Lord – The text says – Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition…present your requests to God.
Step III. Remember the Provision of the Lord - The text says, with thanksgiving,
Step IV. Rest in the Peace of the Lord - And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Step V. Reflect on the Plan of the Lord - Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.
Good advice; just need to implement it myself now.
It’s worth hopping over for the full reflection.
I think it’s also worth mentioning Hebrews 4:15–16 for encouragement in this regard:
For we do not have a high priest incapable of sympathizing with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace whenever we need help.
Tags: Christian Life, Mental Health
July 10th, 2012 at 2:30 am
I’m glad to see you studying on this.
I need to study more, too.
July 10th, 2012 at 2:32 am
I want to note, though, that the article by Msgr. Charles Pope is not for people with actually clinical disorders. It is for people who have no clinical disorders but who are upset about things.
July 10th, 2012 at 9:33 am
Hi Lisa,
I think the message is for all, Msgr Charles Pope is expounding on Paul. St Paul’s message was for all, and therefore beneficial for all, because the God of Word is ‘active and alive’. I think we must be wary of suggesting that those with clinically diagnosed mental disorders are excluded from the spiritual benefits found within the orthopraxis of this message.
But then again, maybe I have just misunderstood your post.
July 10th, 2012 at 9:42 am
I’ll explain on my blog. Thanks, Caral.
July 10th, 2012 at 9:56 am
Here ya go. http://catholicbandita.com/msgr-charles-popes-steps-to-better-mental-health/
July 11th, 2012 at 6:52 am
Thanks Lisa, glad I hadn’t misunderstood. I’m certain that the intention of Msgr Pope’s was not to suggest that St Paul’s advice would cure serious mental health problems, but perhaps good advice towards salvation of one’s mind, body and soul?