As stated in our last post, we often hear theologians use “BIG” words that can seem unintelligible to most of us. This is why we seek to clarify terms… we wish to help you better understand the Scriptures and thereby work on our mental health dilemmas through the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit.
So “clarity” and “sufficiency” – what do they mean?
Well, clarity relates to the fact that the Bible is clear; meaning, it can be understood and applied by any and all people, not dependent upon age, race, language (given that one has Scriptures in their respective language), culture, or location. It is for all mankind and has the power to make wise even the least of these.
So if you’re in a rut and think God can’t help you, you’re wrong. Not one of us is the exception to the rule that God is no respecter of man; what He will do for one, He will do for another (Acts 10:34-35). On this subject, the Bible says:
…Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation, anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.
Acts 10:34-35
The Bible is clear, so anywhere the Lord God promises, that He will keep and uphold because all of the promises of God find their yes in Him (2 Corinthians 1:20). He promises to be near to the brokenhearted and to save those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18), so when you are depressed and lonely (not necessarily alone), God is near to you, and He will save you from your broken heart. The Lord says He is a healer. Exodus 15:26 demonstrates God’s Word to His people:
…If you will diligently listen to the voice of the Lord your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, your healer.
For me, this Scripture is less about diseases and more about Him claiming to be our healer. Scripture is clear… He can heal you from your mental infirmities. I am a living testimony of this.
Now let us touch on sufficiency. Sufficiency, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, means to meet one’s needs. What we mean by this in regards to Scripture is that nothing more is necessary to cultivate a genuine, true relationship with God, to know how to act or what is godly to think/do, and to live out a holy life full of joy and peace. Nothing is to be added or taken away, as Scripture is fully sufficient in and of itself.
This does not insinuate that all truth is contained within Scripture, but all that Scripture attests to is true. Not every ailment, circumstance, concern, or mental illness is spoken about directly in Scripture; however, the principles contained within are conceptual and have the power to breathe life into your situation. In any situation. We must learn to think outside of the box. For example, taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5) is a concept that can be applied to any kind of thoughts at any time— sexual, suicidal, worry, anxious thoughts, anger, unforgiveness, etc., etc., etc. It doesn’t just refer to the exact situation spoken of in 2 Corinthians, but is a concept that can be applied to any circumstance today– this requires right-brain thinking. You can do it. Ask God for the help and the power to do this; ask God to show you how to do this and what this means. See: the Lord is doing a new thing; do you not perceive it (Isaiah 43:19)?
We are having so much fun with you! Please come back for our next discussion on the immanence of God. What does this mean? Wait and see
