Did you know that November is Men’s Health Awareness Month?
That's right, not only is it a month to celebrate Thanksgiving and Veterans Day, but it’s also a time to bring awareness to this crucial issue. Why? Because men face a higher risk of mortality from leading causes such as heart disease, cancer, accidents, and suicide.
Mental health encompasses a person’s feelings, thought life, and relationships, influencing how you handle stress, make decisions, and navigate challenging situations. When your mental health is good, you feel well, can manage daily tasks effectively, and cope with challenges.”
In this post, I’d like to emphasize the significance of conducting a spiritual health and wellness check-up for men of faith. Because when your spirit is thriving, you are more inclined to address and navigate your mental health challenges effectively.
In the hustle and bustle of life, men of faith are consistently challenged to be godly husbands, fathers, providers, and leaders. With the strong pull of the world distracting men from pursuing godliness and the stress it brings to daily living, it’s no wonder that in many congregations, there are more women than men.
The truth is that men of faith have access to all the peace, wisdom, and strength they need to walk courageously with Christ. However, the intersection of mental health and faith is a sacred space that demands attention and care.
So here are my four steps (or building blocks) that contribute to and protect the mental well-being of men of faith so they can live healthier, happier, and longer lives.
So here are my four steps (or building blocks) that contribute to and protect the mental well-being of men of faith so they can live healthier, happier, and longer lives.
- ✞ Spiritual Connection:
For men of faith, a solid spiritual connection is an anchor in the middle of the storms of life. Regular prayer, meditation, and reading or listening to scripture are huge sources of comfort, guidance, and power for living. Cultivating a personal relationship with God through Christ becomes the foundation for mental resilience.
Understand that these spiritual disciplines don’t require putting aside hours a day but need to become a regular habit.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
2. ⛪️ Church Community:
The importance of community within the church is still valid. The excuse of not attending church due to not knowing where to attend, not enjoying the music style, or that there are hypocrites in the church is old and played out. There are no perfect churches, but if you find one, it becomes imperfect when you join. It’s time to stop being lazy and make a commitment. The truth is, if you are full of excuses, you are missing out.
Getting involved in a healthy and supportive community provides a sense of belonging, understanding, and shared values. Connecting with fellow men of faith helps to combat the societal stigmas associated with mental health. Through involvement and activities, men can find a space to share experiences, challenges, and successes, creating a network that strengthens their mental well-being.
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)
3. 😇 Practical Application of Faith:
For men of faith, it’s not only about what you believe; it’s about applying those beliefs in your everyday life. I encourage you to use biblical principles when facing problems and making decisions. In other words, you must read or listen to the Bible and discover them; see building block #1.
Doing so adds purpose and guidance to the journey. Applying faith in practical ways becomes a valuable tool for dealing with life’s challenges, making your mental state more robust and resilient.
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” James 1:22 (NIV)
4. 💪 Physical Health:
The connection between physical and mental health is crystal clear. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep are at the core of maintaining our well-being. If you’ve been feeling a bit off lately, mentally or physically, don’t wait to reach out to a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Prioritizing physical health is vital, so make it a habit to visit your doctor for regular check-ups. Detecting potential illnesses early on is crucial. While the thought of a prolonged illness can be frightening, remember that an early diagnosis will most likely give you a much higher probability of survival. As the saying goes, ‘It’s better to be a live dog than a dead lion.’
Although it doesn’t sound spiritual, scripture declares that we should treat our bodies as temples. So, align yourself with God’s Word and take care of your body. Doing so promotes your physical well-being and enhances your mental and emotional clarity.
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV)
Now what?
When life gets tough, remember that asking for help, whether through prayer, your church community, or professional support, shows strength, not weakness.
Think of the four steps in this blog post as building blocks uniting to form a strong and complete foundation for a healthier and more fulfilling life, not just for yourself but for your family.
Prioritizing a spiritual health check-up for “men of faith” is key, as a thriving spirit enhances the ability to effectively address and navigate mental health challenges.
In the meantime take a few moments to meditate and enjoy the following ten Bible verses.
- “For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and a sound mind” 2 Timothy 1:7
- “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27 (NIV)
- “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.”
Philippians 4:8-9 - “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” Matthew 11:28-30
- “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.” Psalm 34:4-5 (NIV)
- “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV)
- “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV)
- “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.” Psalm 46:1-3 (NIV)
- “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation … present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6-7
- “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18
If you want to take the next step, explore my book, Courageous! Prayer Journal for Men. It is a personalized discipleship tool that inspires men to discover their identity in Christ, foster faith growth, and acquire the skills to lead a victorious Christian life. It’s available in paperback, Kindle, and PDF, as well as in Spanish. It’s an excellent opportunity to strengthen your spiritual growth journey and connection with your faith.
Talk to you soon.
Nick I. Gonzalez
Marriage, Family, and Thriving Christian Living.
https://nickgonzalez.com
Nick I. Gonzalez
Marriage, Family, and Thriving Christian Living.
https://nickgonzalez.com
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