The subject matter of mental health is becoming increasingly relevant in our day, and it is forming an integral part of Christian discussions. Many Christians are puzzled about whether therapy is a go-ahead in seeking solutions to their distress, frustrations, and other internal situations or personal issues producing mental breakdowns. Even if therapy is a go area, would many Christians not see it as dependence over God? If therapy is a helpful tool for healing and growth, to what extent is that? This raises an important question: Is therapy biblical?
The answer requires a careful look at what therapy is and what therapy is not and how Christians should handle it. The answers to these should be from what scripture teaches about seeking help, and how faith can grow through therapy.
Therapy is a designed pattern of treatment processes to bring back health to someone who has damaged health in respect to mental breakdown or unwell emotions. Therapy is a man-made design aimed at solving man-made problems in physical terms. It is an occupational rehabilitation. Therapy is psychological in nature.
Understanding Therapy From The Biblical Position
Therapy as said is a professional process that aims at helping individuals address emotional, mental, behavioral, and relational challenges. Therapists provide guidance, tools, and support to navigate difficulties such as anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, etc The Bible does not mention the cause of therapy, and the modern day psychotherapist like many other things it was conceived to be silent on. However, counsel was mentioned multiple times in the Bible. Counsel is in relationship with wisdom and guidance. The Children of Israel faced a good example of confusion here in Deuteronomy chapter 32, capable of ruining mental balance. God said in verses 28 and 29, “They are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them. O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end.” In Judges 18:5, God was consulted for counsel. Just as therapy is a long-term effect of counseling. God exhibited the same pattern over the children of Israel. A One mightier than a therapist they could choose for themselves.
Counsel is considered primarily for the short term. Man has that nature. 2 Sam 17:14, there are patterns of counsels. The environment of man is subject to differences. A therapist could mean the same but they often adopt a different perspective.
There are therapists you should not even consult as a Christian. There are immature counsellors and therapists out there. They are therapists with no idea of the solution to what you are facing. 1 Kings 12:13.
Biblically, David had a counsellor, 2 Sam 15:12. There was another scribe and a wise man who was also a counsellor. Jonathan David’s uncle. 1 Cor 27:32. All these patterns could still be different from modernized therapists, which the Bible has never mentioned.
Proverbs 15:22, states the effect of a multitude of counsellors. The children of Israel enjoyed God’s role in support, encouragement, and wisdom. He knew beyond psychotherapists’ measure of them. The same fate is for Christians who have taken God as He is. God is much more of a therapist. Yet, the role of rightful counsellors can not be disregarded. Christians go to the hospital for physical illness and consult a doctor, which is appropriate, the scripture has never condemned this. The scriptures have never condemned consulting an exposed person who has some basic knowledge of the vulnerability of the vulnerable. Emotional help, psychological struggle. But, the message is to a Christian. A therapist should never be a replacement for God.
What Some Christians Understand About Therapy
At every slight issue, some Christians always consult a therapist. In fact, no time to seek the face of God from the scriptures by reading and applying them. In prayers and or fasting. It is ignorance to believe that mental breakdown comes from nothing. They came from issues we mismanaged. Sometimes, we are aware of these issues but too lazy to deal with them. Until it reaches a climax, the rushing to professionals for the healing process is acknowledged.
Consulting a therapist is not a sin. But, Christians who do not discern and evaluate advice in light of the scriptures are committing the sin. Or consulting a therapist who does approach your matter from a negative from biblical standards. Or you choose a therapist over God.
When Should A Christian Consider Therapy?
A Christian could voice out for help when he/she seems to have complicated issues they can not properly address all by themselves. Support from people who’ve gone through such challenges will make a change.
Seeking advice on matters is not the wrong option. You can consult on work, family, ministry, and or personal well-being.
Conclusion
Therapy should not be a replacement for God. It is not unbiblical to see a therapist. But all should be done in a wise approach, evaluating and considering the lens of the Bible. What is required of you as a Christian is to live a balanced life.
