The second episode in a 4-part series titled “The Bible, the Body, & the Brain”

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Episode Summary/For Further Exploration

These are lessons and recordings from our Young Adult Ministry-wide "Summer Bible Study Series" in the summer of 2023. In this episode, join our Young Adult Minister, John Lemons, along with special guests Lauren Frederick, Morgan Starks, and Emily Lemons as they talk about what the Bible has to say about our mental health and why it is an important part of how we follow Jesus.

*If you have thoughts or questions, we’d love to talk with you! Email your questions to youngadults@fbchav.org or john@fbchsv.org*

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Items Referenced in the Episode:

Wall Street Journal Article

Sorry, Pal, I Don’t Want to Talk

Scriptures Referenced:

Romans 12:1-2

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 8:28-30

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

Philippians 4:4-8

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Philippians 1:12-14

12 Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.

Philippians 2:5-12

5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! 9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Quotes Mentioned:

“At the very least, they can be persuaded that the bodily position makes no difference to their prayers; for they constantly forget, what you must always remember, that they are animals and that whatever their bodies do affects their souls…”

C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters

“When Herbert Benson, a Harvard physician, studied the effects of mindfulness on cardiovascular health, he discovered two things that had the greatest impact. The first was repeating a phrase—which is another way to say soundtrack—deliberately to yourself for a set period of time. The second key was gently bringing yourself back to the phrase by saying ‘Oh well’ whenever you got distracted and thought about something else instead. The ‘Oh well’ was an important part because it was a non-judgmental, kind way to refocus.”

Jon Acuff, “Soundtracks”

Key Things to Consider:

Try Centering Prayer
Be vulnerable with each other. Be vulnerable about your bad soundtracks. Seek relationships.
Start a “good soundtracks” album on your phone.
Get help when you need it.

Questions Asked of the Panel:

Question 1:

Tell us who you are and where we might see you around town or around church…

Question 2:

One word that is mentioned a lot these days is "toxic." Workplaces are toxic, relationships are toxic, people are toxic. When is the word too loosely thrown around, and when should we take it seriously? How can you identify if you are in a toxic environment, or that you are enabling or creating one?

Question 3:

What benchmarks or traits can people identify to help them know when they or a loved one needs to see a professional? What should people in need of professional help expect of friends and loved ones, and what boundaries should loved ones set in these relationships?

Question 4:

What are some things we need to be aware of in childhood development (whether our own or our children) that contribute to adult mental wellbeing?

Question 5:

Briefly tell us about your relationship with your own mental health. What has helped you most in your own journey that you think might be helpful to others? What resources or processes would you recommend for everyone as a way to start becoming more mentally healthy?

Questions Asked by Our Audience:

How do you think mental health and spiritual warfare is related or not related?
How can we help support our friends in therapy, or help our friends fight the stigma of going to therapy?
Could you comment briefly on any connections you see with mental and physical health?