What would you use as an example for a work of art? Perhaps a painting? Perhaps your children? Perhaps the earth? All of those have peeked our interest and given us a breathtaking experience. But I want to introduce you to a far more breathtaking view: the human being in the hands of God.
The salvation received by the person as they come to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, is already, in and of itself, the greatest miracle I have ever seen. Christ changes the heart completely. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” The wonder of becoming a new human being, is the change in their desires. Instead of fleshly desires, they desire to glorify God. Don’t get me wrong. Christians still sin. But they have a new relationship with sin all together. For they hate sin the way God hates it.
Then it would be fitting to talk about sanctification. The wonder of sanctification lies in the hand of God working in a person’s life to form them. Romans 12:1-2 says “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Suffering from mental health issues gives us a lens to look through when it comes to being made new and sanctification. Unfortunately, this lens is often negative. In fact, it can feel like Romans 12:1-2 suggests an impossible job. Mental health conditions all linger in the mind. How, then, are we supposed to be changed by the ‘renewing of our mind’, when our mind is ill?
In my life, I have learned that GOD brings a great change in us. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, my life has been changed in more ways than I can count. What did it take for me to testify of this: honest prayer and His Word.
My desire was to change, really change. Even though my mind was playing all sorts of tricks on me, the Holy Spirit still enlightened me. God still changed my life. Did it mean that my mental health problems were a thing of the past? No. I’m trusting that this is something God wants to walk me through. I don’t necessarily know how to explain it. God’s Word took form in my life. The application of it became possible because of God strength. And I could see how my life was changing, right in front of my eyes.
Now I ask you, dear friend. What is impossible with God? Nothing! Not even mental health problems can stop Him from creating a work of art. Even in the middle of mental health breakdowns, He creates something beautiful in you. Don’t let your mental health issues keep you from having faith in what only God can do.
He creates something out of nothing. He changes the hardest of hearts. And He creates a work of art out of something broken. He forms you despite of your mental health journey. More importantly, He forms you in spite of your mental health journey.
What joy we could have if we were to realize that He is even forming us through this trial of depression, anxiety etc. What an awesome God we serve!
May the Lord guide you and make you bold with faith! Through Him, we are works of art.
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