Day 22: 31 Days of Prayer

July 22, 2010

Morning

Psalm 16:7 (NIV) I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.

Psychiatry is the medical specialty devoted to the study and treatment of mental disorders. The term was first coined by the German physician Johann Christian Reil in 1808. It means the 'medical treatment of the mind.’ Today mental illness is considered a disorder of brain circuits caused by developmental processes shaped by genetics and experience. Therefore, mental illness may be the product of brain development, with varying outcomes depending on biology and environment. (Wikipedia)

Could this be an explanation of the epidemic of mental disorders in our society? Our brains were meant to develop under the care and counsel of the One who created them, something that is happening to fewer and fewer children today (Ephesians 6:4). If indeed God is our Creator, then only He knows how our brains are wired and how they should develop. Of course, sin has had a destructive effect upon our mental wiring. But the Good News is that our minds can be made new again in Christ (Romans 12:2, Ephesians 4:22-24). Perhaps it’s not “medical treatment of the mind” we need. Maybe it’s spiritual treatment of the mind that is most helpful in preventing and alleviating mental disorders.

David would say so. Remember that this Psalm is a synopsis of the refuge he found in the Lord over a lifetime of difficulties. How had he combated the stress that could lead to mental fatigue and disorder? He made the Lord His counselor. The wonderful thing about the Lord is that He is free, He is available 24/7, He knows you because He made you, and He loves you enough to speak the truth compassionately. To care for your mind wash it in the counsel of the Lord day and night (Ephesians 5:26). Bathe the minds of your children and grandchildren in God’s Word too, the earlier the better, so that their minds will develop in healthy ways. And, if you are struggling with mental illness, certainly a good counselor/psychiatrist is in order. But make sure that they are spokespersons for the Counselor Creator, the one who knows your brain better than you or they do. Seek the Lord’s counsel right now for your own mental health. Pray for those who are suffering mental disorders. Only the Lord can renew (rewire) the mind.

Evening

As David surveyed the Lord’s counsel over his lifetime, David praised Him. That would be a good exercise for you tonight. Think back how God and His Word have given you counsel during your life. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷ so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. Psalm 119 is a celebration in song of God’s Word. Skim through it tonight, looking for the good and godly impact God’s Word imparts. Then join the Psalmist in celebration. You will sleep better.