As a Biblical Counselor and Teacher I have the the wonderful opportunity of working with men and women who struggle with what we call "mental-illness." I really don't like that designation because - fundamentally they either have a neuro-chemical imbalance (a physical condition) or an emotional wound (a "soulish" condition). Apart from their physical or soulish dis-ease (not disease) they are just like us, struggling saints seeking to live their lives to the glory of God.
It's tough to find good solid biblical perspectives on the conditions faced by these brothers and sisters. Too much of the contemporary material is shallow or judgmental (not all, just most). There seems to be a supposition that these folks deserve a special and on the fringes place n the Kingdom which, as well as being sad, is sinful. In relegating these saints to the fringes the Kingdom does itself a grave harm and makes itself poorer by not having the gifts and insights of these believers available for the whole Body.
Yes, my experience has been that these brothers and sisters have a great deal to contribute to their faith family but because it comes packaged in an unusual wrapping they never get the opportunity to serve. Yes, it can be difficult and it can, at times be disruptive - but so????
One work I have found to be a real blessing is Richard Baxter,s work, The Cure of Melacholy and Overmuch Sorrow by Faith. Though the reader must keep in mind the time in which it was written and the limited understanding of these issues it is a wonderful work. The tenderness and depth of understanding that Baxter brings to the table is well worth the effort of getting through a 17th century work.
In particular I was blessed by his treatment of those who suffer depression (of various types). There is an implicit demand in the work that we seek to understand and minister to these brothers and sisters.
When he is dealing with those whom we would see as "clinically" or "chronically" depressed there is not condemnation nor even judgement. He basically says that they are as they are and that although none of us is free from the effects of sin we must not simply ascribe their condition to their sin or lack of faith. Actually, he pretty much rejects that whole idea.
What he does do is give us insights that enhance our understanding and appreciation of what they struggle with and what that struggle looks like. Their condition is not a "spiritual" problem but rather a problem that adversely affects their spirits. They do not have some "lack of faith' but rather a condition that obscures or weakens their ability to recognized the faith they have.
He tells us that though we may feel that we, in a depression, are condemned by God he states;
"nor will He condemn you for those ill effects which are unavoidable from the power of a bodily disease."
He also writes:
"But so far as reason yet hath power, and the will can govern passions, it is your fault if you use not the power, though the difficulty make the less."
This is something all of us who struggle with psychiatric/psychological dis-eases (not diseases) need to take to heart. Baxter is telling us that whatever our condition, it is not what we can not do that we are accountable for but rather what we can do that we do not do. This should encourage all of us!
God does not expect a lame man to run or a deaf man to enjoy opera but He does require that they do - for Him and His - what they CAN.
We can listen to or read the Word. We can attend worship (some of us have to sit on the back row ready to bolt - but that's OK). We can listen to and sing praises. We can pray - there is no one acceptable method - but there is a model. We can all give - something.
That which, as a consequence of our condition/issue, we can not do we are not held accountable in. But, and it's only right, that which we can do is acceptable to Him regardless of how "well" (whatever that means) we do it. He wants you to serve Him right where you are. For some of us the hard part is finding a place where we will be allowed to serve Him. - Ouch!
I encourage you, whether you struggle with these issues, know someone who does or are just moved with compassion by the Spirit - to get a copy of Baxter's work and read it slowly. He does chide those who engage in overmuch sorrow out of ignorance and sin - but those he sees are only two of the categories of people who struggle with overmuch sorrow.
It is my hope that in this work you will find understanding, sympathy and compassion with all of those in our faith family who so struggle.
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