Mental Health and Soul Care for Leaders
The need for support and direction for individuals wrestling with their mental health has increased noticeably over the last several years. Those struggling in this area come from a wide variety of professions, backgrounds and ages. Although there is great diversity among those being affected, there are also several factors that are consistent. For example: isolation, high demands and lack of personal respite are all reoccurring factors sparking this dilemma. Spiritual leaders are not exempt from this experience and are in need of direction and help in this area as well.
Thankfully we find help in the scripture and the experience of one of it’s leaders. Psalm 34 describes the response of King David when he found himself under the pressure of dark circumstances that threatened his life and mental health. His life was at risk and he responded by pretending to be insane as a ploy to survive. Yes, at times he showed signs of succumbing to the external pressures seeking to undermine his mental health and confidence in God. However, ultimately he demonstrated practices of soul care that enabled him to maintain his trust in God and his mental health. Here are a few things we learn from David about soul care and protecting our mental health.
1.Refuse To Allow Your Dark Circumstances to Distort Your View of God (vss. 1-3)
“I will extol the LORD “at ALL times;
In the midst of David’s dark circumstance of fleeing from Saul he affirmed his commitment to continue extoling the LORD. He stated that he would exalt the Lord at ALL times. He maintains a view of God that causes him to offer God praise. It’s seen in the wording found in the first section of this Psalm vss.1-3: “praise”, “boast”, “rejoice”, “magnify”, “exalt”. David didn’t let his circumstance shape his view of God. Instead, he let his view of God shape the way he saw his circumstances. We must do the same when we face difficult circumstances.
2.When Your Thoughts Become Negative Seek the Lord for His Deliverance. (vss.4-7)
In the second section David declares “I SOUGHT the Lord”. He goes on to repeat references that describe calling out to God: “They looked to Him” “poor man cried” – “He answered”, “and delivered”, “heard him”, “saved him”, “rescues them’
While David was surrounded by the enemy he called out to the Lord for deliverance. When David heard the words of Achish servants “Isn’t this David the King of the land. The one they sing about in their dances: Saul has slain his thousands and David has slain his tens of thousands?” he responded by pretending to be insane. Despite this desperate strategy he knew God would have to be the one to rescue him so he sought the Lord. When he was delivered from the situation, he recognized that it was the LORD who “answered,” “delivered”, “heard him”, “saved him” and “rescued him”. During our struggle with mental darkness we must refuse to rely on our own devices and realize our deliverance comes from the LORD.
3.When Your Emotions Drive You Toward Substitutes For God, Turn To Him As The Source Of Your Satisfaction (vss.8-14)
“The LORD is good”; “blessed is the man”, “there is no want”, “shall not be in want of any good thing”, “life”, “length of days”, “see good”
As David fled from Saul and ended up in Gath among his enemies, he found himself in a vulnerable position. He was gripped by fear and the awareness of his lack. Yet, he knew where his true satisfaction and fullness would be found. They would not be found in the praise of the people or even the possession of his rightful throne. Real contentment and wholeness is only found in seeking the presence of the LORD who is good. Though his life was under threat and outwardly his hands were empty, David knew that length of life and being filled with blessedness is the LORD’s reward to those who take refuge in him.
When feelings of fear and discontent over our circumstances begin to rise in our hearts, like David we must seek our satisfaction in the LORD. We must bring our needs to him and trust him to meet them.
4.Find Strength In Knowing God Is Present With You In Your Pressing Condition (vss.15-18)
“The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous” , “his ears are attentive”, “the Lord hears
them “ , “The Lord is close”
Lastly, David believed that the Lord was not only aware of his situation but was present with him in the midst of it. He was confident that “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (vs.18) He states his confidence in knowing that the Lord sees him running and hiding in caves. That the Lord hears his every cry when he is tired of being in the dark place and wondering when it would end. Furthermore, he knows that the Lord will not condemn him because he looks to the Lord for refuge. We to find rest and stability for our mind and soul when we are convinced of the LORD’s presence and run to him as our refuge also.
Trouble and darkness comes in a variety of forms but like the psalmist we must be confident that the Lord is with us as our refuge no matter what difficulty we face. When we do, will emerge with our mental health and wellbeing intact.
