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A stiff neck… a sore back… a tight chest… a knot in your stomach… All of us carry distress we've absorbed in our bodies.
That's one reason we're doing a "mental health detox" devotional series this May (Mental Health Awareness Month). Trusting God to purify our bodies from emotional and spiritual toxins is an important part of becoming like Jesus and loving others with him.
One day my jaw felt sore while leading a Soul Shepherding retreat for pastors and leaders. I couldn't for the life of me figure out why my jaw was hurting. Finally, I realized the discomfort was alerting me to my stress overload.
It might surprise you to hear that I felt stressed on retreat. The week was full of solitude with Jesus, laughing with friends, and connecting with Kristi. Even leading the teaching sessions felt unhurried and life-giving. These are the activities I most enjoy.
We often don’t feel our deeper emotions until we relax. It wasn't until I slowed down that I realized I had helped five pastors in crisis the previous week. All were under attack for various reasons and struggling to hold onto Jesus and stay in ministry.
As I listened to their stories and cared for them, I absorbed their stress.
Now I was the one who needed care.
Thankfully, I “heard” my aching jaw tell me that I needed rest and empathy.
Did you know that internalized distress affects your physical health?
Toxins build up in our bodies when we unconsciously suppress emotions like fear, grief, anger, or embarrassment.
And it's not just emotions that get trapped inside of us. Sin, conflict, and unhealthy attitudes also get into our bodies and undermine our well-being.
When you’re overstressed, your body will alert you. Here are some common signals:
You feel tension somewhere in your body.
Your sleep is disturbed.
You lack energy to face your day.
Your mind is scattered, and it’s hard to focus.
You're too tired to show up as a loving presence to others.
These are examples that our souls are embodied. Spiritual, physical, emotional, mental, and relational health are all connected.
An often overlooked way to care for your physical and spiritual health is to receive empathy. Sharing honestly and being understood helps you release suppressed emotions and attitudes. The psychological word for this healing experience is “catharsis.” It’s how you detox from the harmful toxins that damage your mental health and create a disconnection from God.
You can learn to pay attention when you feel distressed — ask the Good Shepherd to search you and point out anything that’s hurting or unhealthy underneath the surface (Psalm 139:23-34). It helps if you share with a safe friend so the two of you can listen to each other (Galatians 6:1).
Receiving Jesus' love, care, and forgiveness through one of his ambassadors will help you release the toxins that have been stealing your health and joy. Your demeanor will brighten as you reconnect with God’s loving presence and join the flow of his grace (Psalm 34:5; 2 Corinthians 5:20).
This will free you up to hear the Spirit and follow his lead. You'll be reenergized to love others in partnership with Jesus as you walk alongside him in his light and easy yoke (Matthew 11:28-30).
Ready to grow in releasing distress and receiving God's grace? Our book Deeply Loved can help you receive and reflect Jesus’ empathy in your relationships.
Blessings,
Bill |
