For there is one God and one mediator between God and humanity, Christ Jesus, Himself human,...
1 Tim 2:5 HCSB
There is much talk about mental health these days, and this is a good thing. People suffer with depression, anger, loneliness; all these are unhealthy and are not part of the abundant life God desires for His children. Mental health professionals are in high demand and, it seems, in short supply. Even secular people use phrases such as, "battling our demons," as a metaphor to describe mental health issues.
Paul wrote this letter (1 Timothy) to his protégé, Timothy. (A more Biblically correct title for protégé is disciple.) The purpose of the letter was to encourage Timothy to stand firm in the faith and be able to stand up against false doctrine and false teaching that was infesting the church in Ephesus. How frustrating it must have been for Timothy to have to constantly correct false teaching from a crowd that was, perhaps, looking for someone to tickle their ears and tell them what they wanted to hear.
Early in this letter, Paul wrote, "Timothy, my child, I am giving you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies previously made about you, so that by them you may strongly engage in battle." Paul then writes to Timothy instructions on prayer.
Counselors, whether secular, humanists, atheist, or Biblical counselors are sometimes asked who they go to when they need someone to talk to, someone to help them vent, someone to give them advice and direction in dealing with problems, in combating their demons. Some talk to friends, some to peers, some secure the services of another counselor, and some just bottle it up inside.
I am not dismissing the mental health profession as irrelevant. Science continues to reveal some of the mysteries of God including the physiological foundation of emotion that is found in the human soul. But there is one Counselor who is greatly ignored; God Himself.
It is good to have to have friends to talk to when you feel perplexed provided they will give you sound Biblical advice. It's okay to speak with a therapist as long as their advice does not conflict with the teaching of scripture. It is better yet to speak with God.
There is one mediator between God and humankind; Jesus Christ. Fully God; fully human. His advice will always be Biblical. He will never turn you away because you don't have the right insurance. He will never put you on hold while He looks for His next available appointment for you. He does not need to consult with His peers (He and His peers are One).
With the tearing of the temple veil during Jesus' crucifixion, all of mankind gained access to the Holy of Holies. There is no longer the need for a priest to intercede on our behalf. We have access to the ultimate Counselor, the great Physician, the author and sustainer of life, the Lord God. Try talking to Him. Tell him what's on your heart and on your mind. Many people feel better after they've had a chance to vent yet they never really vent to God. They offer a quick, dispassionate prayer then open their eyes frustrated because they did not experience a miraculous event, after which they dismiss God as irrelevant.
For there is one God
and one mediator between God and humanity,
Christ Jesus, Himself human,
who gave Himself—a ransom for all,
a testimony at the proper time. (1 Tim 2:5-6 HCSB)
Counselors and the counseled will do well to make God their primary mental health provider. After all, how many human counselors can claim they gave themselves as a ransom for their clients?
