This is a continuation of #73 so if you haven’t read it yet, you probably should – thanks.
So I wrote about how negative thinking can affect your mental health and shared Dr Nkiru’s story of becoming hospitalised after being diagnosed with clinical depression and anxiety.
How did she overcome it? In short, it was by reframing her negative thoughts.
Okay, but what does that even mean?
Read on to find out more lovely.
Being a Christian but still facing troubles
I remember in one sermon in church the Pastor said that as a Christian you can be saved but still be in bondage.
Let me scream. You may be a Christian but you could be struggling with a consistent sin (remember back in #73 about repeating negative cycles). Or you may be struggling in other areas of your life and you feel like something is holding you back.
So, Dr Nkiru shared that she came from a good Christian house and knew the LORD but what she didn’t know was that she could take the scriptures and make it her truth.
I totally get what she’s saying because you can go to church and shout and dance all you want. But if you don’t actually seek God for yourself, apply what you’ve heard and let it take root in your heart, then , life will just be flinging you anyhow.
See Mark 4:14-20 for the parable of seeds and sowing on good soil.
Reframing negative thoughts by speaking the truth
It was during her recovery in her hospital room that Dr Nkiru’s eyes opened to the truth in 2 Timothy 1:18. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.
Highlight, underline, circle ‘sound mind’.
God said in His word that He has given us a sound mind.
It was at this point she knew she would be free from the negative thoughts and it would not be the end for her.
You could ask, if God said that he has given us a sound mind then why do people battle with their mental health? That’s not something I know the full answer to, so you can ask God and someone wise in the faith.
I loved the point Dr Nkiru made about while going through dark times you need to have something to hold onto. This should be the word of God not the word of a man. Now, , this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t speak to a man or woman of God or ask for prayer. This also doesn’t mean that if said man or woman of God prophesies you should ignore their words, but you should test it and pray about it (1 Thessalonians 5:19-21).
I think it’s important to hold onto the word of God because God doesn’t lie. His Word is true. His word remains the same forever. That just gives you a different type of confidence, you feel me.
Speaking truth over yourself
God began to take Dr Nkiru on a journey through the scriptures and showed her who she really is. She also began to see all the negative patterns of thinking she had grown up with.
She took time to declare God’s truth till it became a reality, her reality. Practically this meant speaking scriptures over herself out loud. She was speaking back to the negative thoughts, reframing these negative thoughts and declaring the truth.
Declaring that I am the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21).
That there is no condemnation for those that are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).
My soul will not be downcast but will put my hope in God (Psalm 42:5).
God will keep in perfect peace those whose mind is steadfast on Him, so I will fix my mind on Him because I trust in Him (Isaiah 26:3).
When you’re actually meditating on God’s Word, thinking about it, looking at it and declaring it from your mouth out loud, your brain is changing and your mind is being renewed.
At first, when speaking it out it may not feel like the words are true. But you better keep speaking it out.
After reading Words by Kenneth E Hagin, I learned that words actually create an atmosphere and have so much power.
During this time she was also on medication and had supportive people around her that covered her in prayer. Thank God that over time, she eventually stopped taking medication and was released from the hospital.
I just love her story.
Despite everything that she went through, she still went back to complete medical school and is now a whole doctor.
We love to see Black female doctors.
My mental health journey in 2022
So, as mentioned in #73, I felt like my mental health was trying to decline this year. But thank God I’m still standing. So what is my mental health saying now?
Stay tuned xxx
Resources
Song
I love songs that are literally scripture – this is also a good way to declare scripture over yourself.
Lumina Way – Psalm 42 (feat. Es.K)
Books
Words by Kenneth E Hagin – this book is literally 18 pages but will change the way you speak. If you want the PDF send me an email and I’ll share it xx
YouTube
This is the sermon I mentioned and it’s honestly too powerful. It’s one of them ones that you need to come back and watch again and again.
Here is the video of the interview with Dr Nkiru
