The Gift of Spirituality in Mental Health (with science)
"Why me, God?"
The question many individuals, couples, and families with mental health challenges often ask, deep within.
From Judaism, Christianity's roots, a wise Rabbi would point out that while others see despising tragedy, God sees an opportunity for unrivaled spiritual greatness. The struggle may be because God has given them extraordinary strength, only made aware in the struggle, which will become purposeful for themselves and others - a light to others. (1)
Can you hear and see this echoed in the New Testament, from our wise Church leaders in the apostolic age?
See: James 1:2-8, 1 Peter 1:6-7, 4:12-13, and 2 Cor. 1:3-7
Science: Suffering brings spirituality forward - it's linked to mental wellness.
Even though studies show spirituality can be protective against mental distress, when faced with suffering, spiritual awareness is pulled to the forefront - working to build resilience for future stressors ...
"It appears that grappling with moments of pain and emptiness actually catalyzed spiritual formation in some way." (2)
This is why we encourage and promote our groups as not merely a "support group"; instead ...
It's a discipleship growth experience for those with mental health challenges (for individuals, couples, and families).
So, when it comes to mental health, like the Genesis story and the cross and resurrection, let's reimagine the gospel to see beauty coming from chaos ...
1. Opportunity (for us) vs. Problem (for them).
To be the Church that sees mental health challenges as an opportunity for deep spiritual formation that leads to their wellness and resilience. Collaborating with the professionals, where available (not just referring them out as a problem).
2. Gifts vs. "Out of Service."
Much like a blind person develops acute hearing, people with mental health challenges develop unique intuition and spirituality (if we help them foster it). They arise with unique insights, skills, and spiritual gifts, too. I've seen it!
Discipleship is both support and for realizing growth (spiritual formation, spiritual growth which enables whole-person and whole-health benefits). Discipleship, at times, seems to be a special ministry for the healthy and strong, those destined to be leaders. However, discipleship, in the context of Jesus and Scripture was about all nations, all groups of people, for all of God’s children (creation). Thus, we must reimagine how we include those experiencing mental health challenges (and their families) — God wants to be creative with us to see how He sees their lives (and what’s possible).
We’re encouraged to pray because God values our lives deeply and cares for every detail of our lives (even the very hair of our heads are numbered — a metaphor of how we are known by God … Luke 12:7). Then, are not those experiencing the severity of mental distress part of details in God’s view? Yes!
What does it look like in the extreme?
Years ago, during a Bible study for individuals living with mental illness, I met a man with severe schizophrenia. Like many others in the room, he likely had little to no family support and lived alone in government-subsidized housing on disability assistance. Though extremely friendly, he sat fidgeting in his chair, obviously impaired by his condition ... but just before everything started, he leaned over to me and said ...
"Jesus leads us to green pastures, not burnt ones."
What can this man teach us about trust and faith against severity and suffering? Jesus? Life?
What can his life teach us about God's faithfulness?
What gift did he give me that day ... what gift is he giving you right now?
Joe Padilla | Grace Alliance
Check out our free resources to see how the discipleship works in mental health!
(1) Kalmenson, M. (2025, May 9). Why me? The hidden blessing in struggle. Chabad.org. https://www.chabad.org/therebbe/article_cdo/aid/6774699/jewish/Why-Me-The-Hidden-Blessing-in-Struggle.htm
(2) Miller, L., & Weigand, E. S. (2021). The awakened brain: The new science of spirituality and our quest for an inspired life. Random House, 142-143.
