That morning in my seminary training, I heard wisdom on a subject I had not expected. Now, some 22 years later, I am an ordained minister, a psychologist and part of the staff of a seminary. In those roles, I work with individuals and families who struggle with a wide range of emotional problems. Many of these people find that their relationship with Jesus provides them with a way to solve those problems. Others find that their problems continue but that Jesus walks with them in the midst of their pain.
Many believers think that emotional or psychological problems indicate a lack of faith.
As I learned that morning in seminary, this is not the case. On the one hand, it is clear that faith in Jesus improves the emotional element of our life, just as it does all the other elements of our life. On the other hand, I have worked with many people who have amazingly deep and strong faith and still suffer from severe emotional disorders. Sadly, some of these people tell me of well-meaning Christian friends who have increased their pain by misunderstanding this. You do not need medication.