As we have highlighted before, soldiers and aviators, like everyone else in this world, often face mental health related struggles, and we have seen a significant increase in these issues in our servicemen and women. Our Scripture Readers have a role to play in this mental health crisis as they work alongside the Chaplaincy and welfare. Scripture Readers often have unique opportunities to bring a Biblical perspective to mental health. The following post is written by Scripture Reader Gavin Dickson.
As a Scripture Reader, I am privileged to regularly connect with individuals who are navigating their mental health and it is a joy for me to be a part of their well-being, whether they need a listening ear or are facing a crisis. To be there, armed with tools that can assist and ready to share my hope in Jesus, is a profound honour. I believe that the two foundational aspects of sustaining good mental health are community and purpose. Alongside these, five tools are often talked about regarding mental health and they are: connect, be active, take notice, give and learn.
Connect:
Mental health professionals note the importance of connecting with others to enhance good mental health. Yet, to truly connect with others, we must first connect with God. After all, He is our Creator, and in Him, we move and have our being (Acts 17:28). Knowing that we belong first to God and knowing His forgiveness through the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus, we belong to His family, the church. What a wonderful thing to belong to God and find ourselves in a family of brothers and sisters.
One of my heart’s desires, and long-standing prayers is that soldiers who know Jesus would root themselves in local churches. Recently, I have started seeing God answer this prayer as soldiers I have spoken with have begun attending local churches.
As someone who has moved, both as a soldier and as a Scripture Reader, there has always been comfort to know that wherever my family is called to go, we can find family in a church. Instantly, we have people to connect with on a practical and eternal level.
Be active:
Physical movement and exercise are not just good for our bodies, they are also powerful tools in our mental well-being. Our minds, bodies and souls are all interconnected, and by caring for our physical health, we also nurture our mental health.
Give:
‘It is better to give than to receive’, so the saying goes. Indeed, when it comes to our mental health, giving of our time, love and finances can boost our well-being. By using the gifts God has given each of us to help others, we also fulfil the second greatest commandment: ‘…love your neighbour as yourself’ (Mark 12:31).
Take notice:
There is wonder in the world that we often forget to notice. God’s creation is full of beauty; when we stop and see, our hearts and minds find moments of serenity. When we grasp that God created all the wonder in the universe for the good of those who love Him, our minds should turn to worship. God tells us to be still and know He is God. We all need to stop, breathe and remember who God is and what He has done for us.
Learn:
The Bible says we should meditate on God’s Word day and night. The concept here, interestingly, is the same as how a cow ‘chews the cud’. Chewing its food over and over again. The point is to ruminate and dwell on what God has said and to come to a deeper understanding of God, ourselves and our world.
Learning can take many different forms: formal education, taking up a new hobby like an instrument or a sport, going to a museum or asking a friend to teach you a new skill. The important thing about this tool is that it is up to us to take charge of our intellect and education to expand our knowledge and how we relate to the world around us.
These five things are helpful tools that I am able to use in my life, but ultimately it is being grounded in the truth of God’s Word that keeps me secure.
I have often been in distress. I have found myself encircled by enemies, physically on the battlefield, emotionally when I’m overwhelmed by circumstance and spiritually when I am called to preach or engage in a spiritual activity, such as taking the gospel ‘behind the wire’ to soldiers. At times I have felt attacked by the evil one.
When I read Psalm 121, I read of the God who created not only me but everything in the universe and I remember His promises.
'I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all evil; He will keep your life. The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.'
I remember that He calls me His child and has promised that all things will work together for the good of all who love Him. I remember that God sent His Son to deal once and for all with my rebellion and give me eternal life.
As I read these truths, I am moved to worship and pray. I am then able to face whatever comes, not from my own strength, but through Christ who strengthens me. After all, He has promised it in His Word.
I hope that as you read this, you can start to employ these five tools: connect, be active, take notice, give and learn. Yet further still, I hope that you might draw strength and resilience from God, remembering just who He is, what He has done for you and who He says you are. Thus, you will be able to stand firm in the faith.
Pray with us
- Pray that anyone who approaches Scripture Readers would feel listened to, understood, cared for and loved, all for the glory of God.
- Ask that Scripture Readers would have wisdom, grace and compassion as they seek to support members of our Armed Forces struggling with their mental health or well-being.
