JOURNEYING TOWARDS VISION BEYOND EYESIGHT
As we settle into 2026, we are confronted with unemployment, increased living expenses, stagnant/no wages, heightened hostilities, the dehumanization of people, no health insurance, scarcity, threats, and the depletion of social safety nets that have been a staple for decades.
We reside during a time where we are watching the global impact of conflict and wars which have become sensationalized which only enhances our desensitization of other peoples lived experiences. These circumstances have exacerbated feelings of worry, fear, hopelessness, loneliness, vulnerability, grief, numbness, humiliation, overwhelm, and exhaustion. As believers, we are not exempt from these experiences.
Faith and Mental Health
The Bible can be summarized as the creation of the world and mankind (Genesis 1-2, NKJV); the fall of mankind through the wrongdoing of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3, NKJV); redemption through the blood of Jesus Christ to save mankind (Ephesians 1:7-10, NKJV); restoration
through the fulfillment of Go’s promises (Revelation 21-22, NKHV).\ Faith is experiencing vision beyond our physical eyesight while mental health reflects how we process and manage life’s circumstances. It is not uncommon to be a believer of Jesus Christ and struggle with navigating mental and emotional challenges. Scripture provides numerous examples of the profound impact of human circumstances and suffering. Dinah endured sexual violation (Genesis 34:1–31, NKJV); Hannah endured the pain of infertility and ongoing provocation (1 Samuel 1:1–8, NKJV); Elijah experienced deep discouragement following his supernatural victory on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 19:1–18, NKJV); and Job suffered overwhelming grief and loss through personal tragedy (Job 1–3, NKJV). As believers, one of the most difficult Godly commands is walking in faith when the world around us feels like everything is eroding. Some days the noise is so loud it’s hard to hear and experience God. Despite these set-backs, we have hope. We are called to activate our faith during periods of stability and growth as well as during times of uncertainty in order to receive
God’s promises. If we do not walk in faith, we are not pleasing God.
Pursuing Faith
Our greatest weapon is prayer. If we are honest with ourselves, we know that if our prayers are not answered within our timeframe we began listening to our own abilities which moves us further outside of God’s will. With that said, I invite you to consider the following to nurture your body, calm your nervous system, and set the pace to engage in prayer:
▪ Locate a safe, relaxing space.
▪ Place a journal/notebook and pen in close proximity.
▪ Engage in your preferred calming method, or choose one of the below, to reduce spiraling thoughts, decrease tension on the body, and lessen negative and anxious energy.
Diaphragmatic Breathing
▪ Place one hand on your chest and the other one on your stomach.
▪ Breathe normally as you involve your stomach muscles and diaphragm.
▪ Focus on the movement of your hands during inhaling and exhaling.
▪ Continue this technique until you experience a sense of calm or it feels intolerable.
(Source: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9445-diaphragmatic-breathing)
Squared Breathing
▪ Inhale for 4 counts
▪ Hold for 4 counts
▪ Exhale for 4 counts
▪ Hold for 4 counts
▪ Continue this technique until you experience a sense of calm or it feels
intolerable.
(Source: https://www.healthline.com/health/box-breathing)
At the point you feel a sense of calm, posture yourself however feels right and communicate with God through prayer. God wants to know everything you are experiencing, even the small things.
After your praying time, see if it feels right to engage in self-reflection by recording what you sensed God is sharing with you.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post.
