Carrying Your Cross
Reflecting on Mental Health
I was listening to Matthew West’s song “Truth Be Told” on YouTube: link. This song got me thinking about mental health and the struggles that come from carrying your cross. I wanted to share my thoughts and explore what we can do when facing these challenges.
Embracing Our Brokenness
It’s okay to feel “broken” because we all face struggles in this world. Life was never designed to be “easy”; instead, it aims to bring out our greatness. Let’s consider what Jesus says about the way of the cross:
“And He summoned the crowd together with His disciples, and said to them, ‘If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.'”
Mark 8:34
Facing Problems Head-On
It’s interesting that Jesus doesn’t offer a magical prayer to escape discomfort. Instead, after rebuking Peter for wanting to avoid problems, Jesus encourages us to confront our challenges directly. When things don’t go well, it may be an opportunity for us to strive for a better outcome. Remember, though, that we are not meant to fix everything; some burdens are beyond a single person’s capabilities.
Self-Talk and Growth
)Be mindful of how you talk to yourself, as negative self-talk can hinder your growth. As mentioned in a previous article (Give Yourself Grace), you need to give yourself grace. Imagine Jesus standing beside you, speaking merciful words. How would that conversation go? That’s how you need to treat yourself right now. Negative self-talk won’t help your current situation.
Finding Purpose in Tough Times
There’s another reason why I believe Jesus allows tough times to come our way. Reflecting on Jesus’ crucifixion, we see that it was not a private matter. The enemy intended to use this public act to deter others from following Jesus, but it actually showcased His compassion even in His final moments. This makes me think that by facing our own crosses and carrying them, we can make Jesus proud and inspire others. It’s not easy, but when you look back on your life, you’ll see how much you’ve grown and how much guidance you can offer to others facing similar issues.
Wisdom Through Adversity
The ones who give the best advice are usually the ones who have faced the most problems.
Unknown Author
