I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast
known my soul in adversities; and hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy: thou
hast set my feet in a large room. (Psalm 31:7-8)
He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were
too strong for me. They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my
stay. He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted
in me. (Psalm 18:17-19)
God is on your side. God delights in you.
You and I live in a world where words, circumstances, and spiritual forces are constantly seeking
to pull us down. Knowing that God is for us and will keep us is an inner conviction that protects
our minds and hearts.
These convictions are biblical principles that we choose to follow—whatever the cost. They are
each settled truths that allow our minds to get a grip on important issues in advance, which grants
us peace and stability. What a precious gift that is!
Our convictions are vital to our mental and spiritual health.
According to the World Health Organization, mental health conditions and substance use
disorders have risen by 13% in just the decade between 2007 and 2017. Suicide statistics are
much worse claiming the lives of hundreds of people every day. Dealing with our own mental
issues and being able to guide others to do the same is more needful than ever.
As always, God never leaves us on our own, but offers real help in His Word to help us maintain
a sound mind. I’ve included ten important biblical convictions in this lesson: convictions that
protect us and help us build sound minds. This teaching is one part of my Mental Health & the
Bible series, and the introduction to the two-part lesson on How to Have a Sound Mind found on
nothingbutthetruth.org.
David L. Johnston
P.S. Here is a link to a book I wrote on this subject, titled How to Have Peace in Difficult Times.
I would encourage you to order this not just for yourself, but to give away to anyone you know
who may be struggling with fear, anxiety and emotional turmoil.
