Unity in Our CommunitySample

The Real Heal

“Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.” —Jeremiah 17:14

Mental illness is real! I am a witness to this truth. Far too often the faith community neglects to address this relevant reality.

In March of 2021, I woke up with my feeble body trembling and folded over into a fetal position. All I could do was cry profusely. To my great dismay, I was diagnosed with depression, anxiety, burnout, and perimenopause. Even when I could not see my way out of this mental and physical entanglement, I believed in God for my healing. I didn’t catapult into this dark night in a day, and it was going to take more than a day for me to come out.

Though the prophet Jeremiah suffered from an illness, he showed a deep belief in God’s healing power when he prayed, “Heal me, Lord, and I will be healed” (Jeremiah 17:14). I can imagine it took the prophet persistent prayer and belief before he received healing. Even though I desired immediate healing, I’m thankful that God took me through the healing journey.

Over time, with the help of God-ordained doctors and practices, I experienced God’s healing, and I continue to walk in that blessed healing today.

God’s healing is manifested in a multiplicity of ways. Sometimes it’s immediate; other times it’s through medicine and long periods of trial and error. Wherever that journey takes you, I pray the words of Jeremiah guide you to seek God’s help.

Barbara L. Peacock

What are some ways the church community could address mental illness? How has God’s healing looked in your life?

Dear God, thank You for healing my body and mind when I was hopeless. Remind me to always call out to You for help.