As mental health issues continue to spread throughout our society and the world, Terrence Harris shares 5 important and practical Biblical insights to help protect your mental health, considering the ongoing wars and conflicts we see today.
1. Mental Health Needs God’s Truth
God’s truth demands obedience, even against personal preference. Repentance and faith in Jesus Christ gives us new life and compels us to joyfully obey God’s truth. Christ offers salvation to those who receive Him as Lord and Savior. Some think they can save the world by their own actions. Many hope to make the world a better place through charity or a perverted version of peace, love and unity. Any vision of peace that denies the return of Christ rejects the truth and ultimately collapses.
World conflicts aren’t just a political issue—they are the result of humanity rejecting God’s truth and replacing it with deception. The Bible speaks of a humanity that desires everything they see, physical pleasures, and the pride of life. All of these come from a sinful world that refuses to obey and submit to the Living God (1 John 2:16, 17). Consequently, we live in a decaying world (2 Peter 3:10, 1 Corinthians 7:31) of which no human can control or stop.
Anxiety, another symptom of humanity’s brokenness, exists as a major issue within the mental health crisis today. Anxiety can express itself through a sensation of “being choked” and suffocating. Those who suffer from anxiety, like I once did, tend to also experience the sensation of “falling.” Without anchoring ourselves in God’s truth, our emotions begin to interpret reality instead of responding to it.
Medication helped during my struggle with anxiety and mental health issues, but I improved when I relied less on my truth and more on God’s truth. He has full authority over heaven and earth. Humanity assumes absolute control over our lives because we take God’s grace for granted. This illusion of control contradicts the truth that God alone has authority over heaven and earth. When we align our lives with God’s truth, we can experience freedom from the pressure to hold everything together on our own. This reduces and even frees us from undue stress and worry.
2. When Community Grows, Mental Health Improves
Some people serve in the military overseas, have loved ones fighting, or worry about the war’s impact on American soil. Navigating war’s presence and uncertainty is challenging. While war and violence exist, God doesn’t want us to bear these challenges alone. Sometimes, a kind reminder that fear doesn’t come from God (2 Timothy 1:7) is needed. If fear arises, remember God’s love and care through others (Galatians 6:2, Hebrews 10:24-25). Having a solid group of family, friends, and trusted people is wise (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). Helping each other through hard times keeps our mental health from
deteriorating because God created humanity for connection. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have distinct functions but exist as one. Togetherness and community are essential to the Living God. Created in His image, humanity must imitate God’s likeness, seeking and building meaningful, God-honoring relationships, unity, and community in Christ.
3. Solitude: Where Mental Health Speaks
Jesus sought solitude to spend time with the Father (Mark 1:35, Luke 5:16, Mark 14:23).
Solitude differs from isolation. The Bible says isolating oneself is foolish and contrary to God’s standard for community. Biblical solitude seeks intimacy with God, hearing His voice, experiencing His presence, and minimizing distractions. Finding sacred time to enjoy God’s company improves mental health. This connects our hearts to the Father who made us and our interests. Ask God for solutions to mental health and navigating the world’s brokenness.
4. Fasting: A Secret Weapon Against Mental Oppression
Jesus said, “When you fast and pray . . .” His words sound like a command, not an option.
Christians tend to focus on the physical benefits of fasting rather than the supernatural benefits. Queen Esther called for the Jews to fast on her behalf before entering her king’s throne room uninvited—which could have resulted in her death (Esther 4:15-17). All the people of Ninevah (Jonah 3:5-10) fasted and repented for sinning after hearing Jonah preach, turning God’s coming judgment away from the city. Daniel fasted while mourning and for understanding (Daniel 10:2). In Mark 9:29 (in some manuscripts), Jesus tells His disciples that prayer and fasting invites supernatural authority in deliverance from demonic oppression. Fasting exchanges the natural pleasures of food for a complete focus on God. Sometimes, our mental health needs relief from anxiety or comfort from life’s hardships—especially in times of world conflicts. Other times, we may need God’s mercy, favor, or His supernatural strength to overcome the challenges of an immaterial nature. Scripture has shown how fasting can turn the tides of worldly conflicts and challenging circumstances. Incorporating a fast that Yahweh commands and respects could be the spiritual discipline necessary for life’s journey.
5. Enjoying Life: A Gift for Mental Health
No matter the difficulties we face in life, we can still trust and believe that God gave us life to appreciate and enjoy, as well as experiences to enjoy along with it. In Ecclesiastes 5:18–21, we can discover a desirable pattern, one blessed by Yahweh that most Christians may overlook. One of the best things you can do for your mental health is to enjoy the work you do, developing the ability to enjoy the wealth it produces, and using the resources to create wonderful and exciting memories and experiences for yourself, your family, and others.
Unstable circumstances cannot sustain mental health in a world marked by ongoing conflict, uncertainty, and moral confusion. The wars and tensions we see around us reveal a deeper reality—humanity’s rejection of God’s truth. When we try to carry the weight of a broken world or place our hope in human solutions, mental health issues such as anxiety increase, and peace fades. But God has not left us without help. When we anchor our minds in His truth, walk in community, seek Him in solitude, practice spiritual discipline through fasting, and choose to enjoy the life He has given, we begin to experience stability in our mental health that the world cannot offer. True peace exists outside of trying to control outcomes, but in trusting the God who is already in control. As we align our lives with His truth, we protect our minds, strengthen our faith, and learn to live with confidence—even in the midst of a world at war.
©2026 Probe Ministries
Terrence Harris
Terrence A. Harris is a Christian writer and Bible teacher who serves as Communications Manager at Probe Ministries. He is passionate about helping believers understand God’s Word, stand firm in biblical truth, and live out their faith with confidence.
What is Probe?Probe Ministries is a non-profit ministry whose mission is to assist the church in renewing the minds of believers with a Christian worldview and to equip the church to engage the world for Christ. Probe fulfills this mission through our Mind Games conferences for youth and adults, our 3-minute daily radio program, and our extensive Web site at www.probe.org.
Further information about Probe's materials and ministry may be obtained by contacting us at:
Probe Ministries
2001 W. Plano Parkway, Suite 2050
Plano TX 75075
(972) 941-4565
[email protected]
www.probe.org
Copyright/Reproduction Limitations
This document is the sole property of Probe Ministries. It may not be altered or edited in any way. Permission is granted to use in digital or printed form so long as it is circulated without charge, and in its entirety. This document may not be repackaged in any form for sale or resale. All reproductions of this document must contain the copyright notice (i.e., Copyright 2026 Probe Ministries) and this Copyright/Limitations notice.
