Peace for the Anxious, Happy Mother's Day, Biblical Counseling Certification (Pastoral Emphasis for 5/12)

We have different prayer topics each month led by an elder. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness month, our May prayer topic is “New Mercies for Mental Health”. Today, we focused on “Peace for the Anxious (Anxiety)”. We need to break the stigma around mental health illness especially in the church. It's okay if you need counseling or therapy. It's okay if you need to take medication. God in His common grace towards humanity has provided doctors, counselors, and medicine as means to help us. Take medication if you need to but keep your trust in Jesus. 

We all experience anxiety. From having to take a test, speaking in front of people, going on a job interview, to having to juggle a lot of different responsibilities and tasks. However, an anxiety disorder is when feelings of intense fear and distress become overwhelming and can prevent us from doing everyday activities. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health concern in the United States. Over 40 million adults in the U.S. (19.1%) have an anxiety disorder. Meanwhile, approximately 7% of children aged 3-17 experience issues with anxiety each year. Most people develop symptoms before age 21. Anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety, panic disorder, and phobias. All anxiety have a spiritual component. Our relationship with God will impact how we react to challenges in life. The wonderful news is that we have a God who cares about us and the things that cause us to be anxious. 

 

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers. 

But we should acknowledge that Mother's Day can be a tough day for many. Some of us have lost our mother. Take comfort in God, our heavenly Father. The Bible says that God watches over His people like a hen who protects her chicks under her wings. If you are in Christ and your mother was in Christ, then you shall see her again. 

Some mothers have lost children (some by miscarriages or abortion). God has mercy on children and I do believe you shall see your child one day in eternity. And even if you have aborted a baby, there is forgiveness in Christ. Christ can remove your shame and guilt. 

1 John 1:9 (ESV): If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

There is no condemnation for those in Christ! 

There are some women who desire to have children but it has not happened yet. Trust in the sovereignty of God and know that your self-worth and identity is not in motherhood but it is in Jesus Christ. 

For all you mothers who feel like you don't measure up, you don't have to be perfect, Christ was perfect for you. 

2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV): For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 

Relax, be free in Christ, and enjoy being a daughter of the Most High God.

 

Join us for a time of corporate prayer at our next church-wide prayer gathering on Tuesday, 5/21, from 7 to 8pm. 

 

Mt. Zion is starting a Biblical Counseling Certification program. If you want to learn more about it, there will be an interest meeting on next Sunday, 5/19, right after the service in the MPR.