Jesus Christ, the Wonderful Counsellor

Jesus Christ, the Wonderful Counsellor

from Life in Christ

By Neil McBride

Hello and welcome to Neil McBride’s blog. Today, we’ll examine mental health, discussing its complexities and identifying potential triggers. In the first section, we’ll define mental health to help us better understand ourselves. Next, we’ll analyse the decline of Saul, the first king of Israel, and conclude with strategies to confront and overcome the painful memories that can negatively impact our well-being. It’s important to note that I am not a certified counsellor or mental health professional, so the insights shared here should not be viewed as definitive solutions for any challenges you may face. If you find yourself struggling with mental health issues, I strongly encourage you to reach out for help rather than suffering in silence. Remember, you are never alone; support is always available.

Mental illness, often known as mental health disorders, includes a wide range of conditions that have a substantial impact on mood, thought processes, and behaviour. Notable examples are depression, various anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and addictive behaviours.

Many individuals experience mental health challenges at different points in their lives. A mental health concern becomes a mental illness when persistent signs and symptoms lead to significant stress and interfere with one’s ability to function effectively.

Mental illness can cause distress and create difficulties in various areas of life, including work, school, and personal relationships. Fortunately, in most cases, symptoms can be effectively managed through medication and psychotherapy, helping individuals regain balance and clarity in their lives.

Mental health has been around since God created man and woman. Furthermore, the worries we face today have not changed much from those living in the distant past.

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. (Genesis 1:27)

In the early 1940s, Abraham Maslow introduced his Hierarchy of Needs, which outlines the five essential levels individuals must navigate to achieve self-actualisation. For many experiencing homelessness, the focus is primarily on fulfilling their physiological needs, making the quest for food, clothing, and shelter a top priority. By examining how humans progress through these levels of need, we can gain insights into the specific forms of support necessary for individuals to attain self-sufficiency. Notably, Maslow indicated that pursuing “higher” needs can begin even when “lower” needs remain unmet.

The essential physiological requirements for human survival are the foundation of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Maslow identified five vital elements: food, water, clothing, sleep, and shelter. Many individuals rely on charitable organisations to fulfil these basic needs. People can concentrate on achieving higher-level needs when they have reliable access to meals.

In the narrative surrounding the birth of Jesus, Mary and Joseph faced significant challenges as they sought shelter before the arrival of their child. This struggle resonates deeply in our current society, where countless young individuals find themselves without housing. The consequences of such precarious living conditions can severely impact their mental health over time.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:7)

Recognising the blessings many of us have regarding basic survival resources is crucial. In the United Kingdom, there is often an overwhelming desire for more, leading us to prioritise expensive vacations, luxury cars, and sprawling homes. However, it’s important to note that many people living in poverty worldwide display a happiness that often eludes the wealthy. Ultimately, it becomes clear that financial wealth does not equate to mental well-being.

The art of being financially secure is the dream of everyone in the world. As a father, I work hard to provide my daughter with love and support. However, I take full responsibility for knowing that one day, she will have to start looking for employment or suitable accommodation. Education is an escape from poverty; therefore, as a father, I support her need to learn new skills and tools to move her closer to financial security. She is currently studying at one of the world’s leading universities for a Law degree.

 Repressed memories tend to wield the most profound emotional pain, particularly those buried deep within our cognitive archives. While these memories remain outside our conscious awareness, they serve as a protective barrier against the anguish tied to recalling traumatic experiences. Nonetheless, as time progresses, these concealed recollections can give rise to significant psychological challenges, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and dissociative disorders.

The past is often an emotional labyrinth; unresolved memories can resurface when current events trigger them, leading to discomfort. Without pursuing healthier coping mechanisms, we may resort to detrimental strategies instead. This misguided approach fosters a false sense of confidence while compounding our issues, allowing the problems to expand rather than diminish over time.

Large corporations often capitalise on individual struggles, profiting from our misfortunes. Take alcohol companies, for instance; they heavily promote their products, enticing many to indulge. I abstain from strong drinks, which keep my financial resources intact. While not everyone resorts to alcohol as a means of escape, it’s tragic that many individuals turn to drugs for solace. Seeing how destructive thought patterns can inhibit a person’s path to a fulfilling and healthy life is disheartening.

He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity. (Ecclesiastes 5:10)

A few years back, I had the privilege of attending a transformative talk by a pastor who bravely confronted his battles with alcohol and drug addiction. His testimony is a testament to the redeeming power of faith; he has maintained sobriety for over 20 years, guided by the strength of the Holy Spirit. If you find yourself grappling with addiction, I encourage you to seek Jesus Christ—He is the true source of miracles, far beyond what any individual can achieve.

And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. (Exodus 14:13-14)

If we could build a time machine and revisit our childhood, what would that experience be like? Recently, I created a heartfelt film about my life, incorporating brief clips from YouTube that symbolise different moments of my journey. I shared it with my partner, hoping she would understand my identity before we met. This film focused solely on the joyful moments, celebrating the beauty of my past. At the conclusion, I could have chosen to present a more painful, sorrowful narrative about my life.

Although I was never poor as a child—sleeping each night in a cosy bed, enjoying three meals a day, and having a cupboard full of snacks—I still felt unhappy. My room was overflowing with toys and video games; I lived in abundance compared to many young people. However, happiness cannot be bought, and wealth doesn’t foster self-esteem or confidence. As an adult, I often find myself recalling childhood memories that, for the most part, were overshadowed by depression and darkness. It wasn’t until I experienced a profound connection with the Holy Spirit that I truly learned to embrace happiness, directing my focus toward Jesus Christ, which has helped immensely.

 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)

Yet, I had locked away those painful childhood memories in a room without a door. Yes, becoming a child of God through the Holy Spirit is a beautiful truth, but we still struggle in our flesh, and those battles linger. In 2021, I sought professional help and worked with a wonderful counsellor for over two years. I shared different memories with her, many of which appeared in my film. I have never shied away from admitting that I felt weak, but through those sessions, I began to confront more authentic versions of my childhood.

During those meetings, I was blessed with two counsellors: a highly trained professional guiding me toward acceptance and healing, and the other was Jesus Christ, to whom I turned in prayer. With one, I cried, and with the other, I found solace. One revealed the depths of my heart, while the other gently repaired and restored it through the Holy Spirit. Today, I stand strong, thanks to counselling, but even stronger because of my relationship with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I love you all deeply, and if you ever need prayer, know that I will always lift you in my prayers.

The story of King Saul from the Bible is a poignant example of someone struggling with depression, particularly relevant in the context of work-related stress contributing to such feelings.

And it came to pass on the morrow, that the evil spirit from God came upon Saul, and he prophesied in the midst of the house: and David played with his hand, as at other times: and there was a javelin in Saul’s hand. And Saul cast the javelin; for he said, I will smite David even to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence (1 Samuel 18:10-11)

In the Book of Samuel, King Saul is tormented by an “evil spirit from the Lord” (cf. 1 Samuel 18:10), leaving him in a state of agitation and fear of persecution. Recognising music’s calming properties, Saul summons David, a young hero and skilled harpist, to help alleviate his distress. David attempts to comfort the troubled king, creating a compelling display of psychological tension. Lucas van Leyden captures Saul’s unstable mental state by depicting him with a tense posture, hunched in a chair, gripping a spear tightly in one hand while his right foot is arched over his left. Ultimately, David’s musical talents will pave the way for his ascension to the throne, allowing him to succeed Saul as the king of Israel.

And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him. (1 Samuel 16:23)

Here’s the situation: Saul is engaged in an intense battle against the Philistines, facing overwhelming odds. His soldiers are in a state of panic because the Philistine army is enormous, boasting 30,000 chariots, 6,000 horse riders, and countless additional troops. In contrast, Saul only commands about 3,000 men, which explains the chaos among his ranks. To make matters worse, Samuel, the religious leader, instructed Saul to wait for him before acting. Since Samuel serves as God’s spokesperson, Saul does not have the option to disregard his orders.

 And the Philistines gathered themselves together to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the sea shore in multitude: and they came up, and pitched in Michmash, eastward from Bethaven. (1 Samuel 13:5)

The pressure on Saul is immense. He is expected to lead an army into a battle he is unlikely to win while managing his soldiers’ fear and waiting for Samuel’s guidance. This situation is difficult, and Saul feels a significant lack of control. He endures a tense seven-day wait for Samuel, which must have felt like an eternity.

Eventually, the stress becomes unbearable, and Saul breaks. He decides to perform burnt offerings to God himself to gain favour for the battle. However, this act is typically reserved for the priests, so Saul is not authorised to do it. When Samuel finally arrives, he confronts Saul, saying, “You’ve messed up. You didn’t adhere to God’s command. Now your kingdom is finished” (cf. 1 Samuel 13:13–14).

King Saul’s struggles are relatable to many of us at various times. Life often presents overwhelming challenges; in those times, we seek solutions outside our faith. Saul turned to music as a way to cope with his difficulties. I find comfort in my favourite songs, especially during long runs; music can serve as a wonderful escape. However, it’s essential to remember that Saul’s issue arose from his faith—or lack thereof—rather than the music itself. It’s fascinating how we can connect with individuals from over 3,000 years ago and see our own experiences reflected in theirs. We all face struggles and stresses; it’s simply part of being human. Yet, we are encouraged to walk guided by the Holy Spirit, which leads us toward a more fulfilling life. Ultimately, putting God first should be our priority, as our foundation in every aspect of life.

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16)

We are inherently designed to navigate a wide spectrum of uplifting and challenging emotions. The shift from joy to sorrow or calmness to anger can occur instantly. Each of us is a unique tapestry shaped by our experiences and backgrounds. Yet, despite our differences, we establish common ground in our emotional journeys, recognising that various events affect each of us in distinct ways.

As Christians, we possess a tremendous resource: the grace of Jesus Christ, which empowers us to overcome our struggles. It’s crucial to voice our challenges and seek help, but the true effectiveness of divine intervention hinges on our faith. God invites us to fully embrace His love, equipping us with the resilience to confront life’s hurdles head-on.

Living faithfully through the Holy Spirit is not optional; our relationship with the Lord thrives on unwavering trust. We actively seek Him because He understands our needs and can guide us through our trials. I am profoundly thankful for God’s steadfast support in every struggle, as this reliance leads to genuine victory. I am an evangelist committed to sharing the gospel and connecting with followers and everyday people. My vulnerabilities are not weaknesses but powerful bridges to communicate with others, transforming them into His strength.

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. (James 2:17-18)

While the Holy Spirit embodies perfection, we humans are far from it. Christians must remain relatable to those around them. Remember, we cannot walk on water without Jesus Christ.

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 14:26)

One of the most powerful remedies for the challenges we face in life is nurturing a vibrant and meaningful prayer life. This prayer journey should be a private endeavour, as the Lord seeks a personal connection with each of us who has committed to following Him in spirit and truth. Whenever you need guidance or comfort, turn to the Lord through the Holy Spirit. Allow your heart’s whispers to be heard and experience the profound peace from this divine conversation.

Fostering fellowship in our lives is essential. When we receive the Holy Spirit, our commitment goes beyond simply attending church on Sundays. I truly value the time spent in communion with others, even though it can sometimes be tempting to decline new Christian experiences. In my church, leaders actively encourage gatherings—whether for coffee or casual walks. These interactions allow the Holy Spirit to work within our community.

Making fellowship a weekly priority is crucial. A valuable question to ask ourselves regularly is, “How many fellowship activities do I participate in during a typical week?” While life can become hectic with work commitments, the demands of raising young families, and maintaining our homes, we must carve out time for fellowship. We were not meant to journey alone; the church is one of the most welcoming social environments in the world, embracing everyone.

Admittedly, life can be challenging and stressful. However, by dedicating time to our church community, we invite wisdom into our situations. It’s also helpful to discuss our mental health openly, as it allows us to be candid about our emotions. Sharing our experiences creates opportunities for genuine and constructive feedback, enriching our lives and connections.

“Jesus Christ, the Wonderful Counsellor”

Life in Christ

DTA – Neil McBride

(CEO and founder of Downtown Angels)