Enhancing mental health with journaling

Transformed

Introduction

Evaluating and tracking our emotional state could be something we often neglect. Or on the other hand, knowingly choose to submit to negativity. To submit is a choice or to seek help. Most people want to be left alone with their thoughts when going through emotional hardship or depression. I guess we try to talk ourselves through it or sometimes even deeper into the pit of despair. But in who’s counsel are we?

1.Forms of counsel

Life is not just what we see in the natural; it’s also spiritual.

1.1The flesh(old man) and its impact on our thoughts.

The old man refers to the unrenewed man, the natural man in the corruption of sin, i.e. sinful human nature before conversion.

Jesus Christ explained to Nicodemus about the spiritual concept of being born again for this is something keeping people from their godly purpose and kingdom life. (John 3)

The flesh is aligned according to worldly systems and patterns and cannot please God who is Spirit. Even when people get born again, their minds should be renewed to God’s word and by doing this our minds are being loostened from the mold of the world and aligned to the Word of God.

Scriptures about the flesh and the spirit life

sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these.
Galatians 5:19-21

”For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”
Romans 8:5-6

The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.
Romans 5:7-8

1. 2 Things that influence our mood

I do not know where to start with the probably never-ending list. Our moods can be linked to internal- and external factors. Different issues are linked to what can be the cause of anxiety in the different age groups, for eg. a teenager would probably have the fear of acceptance, not being able to fit in, peer pressure, etc. But one thing is sure, our mind is the first place for attack by our spiritual enemy.

2.A method to maintain mental health

People have different types of personalities, but we all ought to feel content. I’m a type of introvert and barely get lonely and now that I have prayer journaling as my hobby, I’m busy most of the time. My mind is to a certain percentage, organized and kingdom orientated.Still, a work in progress!

Then, not everyone deals with emotions in the same way and what makes us even more unique is that each one of us has a unique personality and preference.

God prepared a table for me through prayer journaling where I can bring my requests and not be anxious about anything and where He can counsel me. I have learned that God honors those who honor Him! Coming to God through prayer , trusting Him or studying His Word are ways to honor Him.

2. 1Command your mood

A journal entry

Do I mean a mood tracker? NO! I’ve never dealt with my moods in a tracker. I kept a diary, so I guess it can also count as a tracker. Our mental health is of utmost importance to ensure a good relationship with others and for our wellbeing. In current times things have even got worse with the pandemic that we can barely visit a nice restaurant or visit some friends.