The Struggle We Often Ignore
Let’s be honest. As men, we like to fix things. If the car breaks down, we grab the toolbox. If the house needs repairs, we roll up our sleeves. But when it comes to our mental health, we often pretend the problem doesn’t exist. We shove it aside, tell ourselves to “man up,” and keep pushing forward. But that’s not how God designed us to live. Ignoring our emotional and mental struggles doesn’t make them go away; it just leaves us exhausted, disconnected, and spiritually dry.
Biblical Examples of Emotional Struggles
The truth is that mental illness is not a sign of weakness. It’s part of being human. Even strong men in the Bible wrestled with deep emotional struggles. David, the mighty warrior-king, poured out his anguish and anxiety in the Psalms. Elijah, even after calling down fire from heaven, fell into despair and asked God to take his life. These were men of great faith, yet they weren’t immune to the weight of life’s challenges. Neither are we.
Jesus himself acknowledges our burdens, inviting us to lay them at his feet. In Matthew 11:28, he says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” That’s not just a nice sentiment. It’s a command to stop carrying our struggles alone. If the Savior of the world tells us to bring him our burdens, why do we so often insist on carrying them by ourselves?
Strength Through Brotherhood
A big part of biblical manhood is recognizing that strength doesn’t mean pretending we have it all together. None of us do. Real strength is about leaning on God and on the brothers he has placed in our lives. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” We weren’t meant to fight alone. And yet, too often, we let pride, fear, or shame keep us from reaching out for the help we need, whether from our brothers in Christ or from mental health professionals.
Intentional Steps Toward Mental Health
If we’re serious about addressing our mental health as Christian men, we need to be intentional. That starts with prayer—not the kind where we check a box and move on with our day, but real, honest, gut-level conversations with God. Like David, we can strive and lament and fully unburden ourselves before the throne of Heaven. The Lord already knows what we’re going through, but he wants us to bring it to him. It also means being in the Word, because God’s truth is the antidote to the lies we often believe about ourselves.
But prayer and Scripture aren’t meant to work in isolation. We need to be in real relationships with other men who can challenge, encourage, and walk with us. That might mean joining a small group, finding a mentor, or simply having one or two brothers we trust to check in with regularly.
Sometimes, it also means seeking counseling from a Christian therapist. There’s no shame in that. If your truck had a busted engine, you wouldn’t hesitate to take it to a mechanic. Why hesitate when your mind and heart are struggling? A Christian therapist can help you frame and address the emotions and difficulties you’re facing in light of the truth of God’s Word. If your brain chemistry is a contributing factor, medication might also be a component of your treatment plan. A professional can help you figure that out.
Taking Care of the Body and Mind
We also need to pay attention to how we’re taking care of ourselves physically. God created our bodies and minds to work in harmony with each other. Exercise, sleep, and a good diet may not sound like spiritual disciplines, but they impact our mood, energy, and ability to handle stress. If we’re running on empty physically, it’s no wonder we struggle emotionally and spiritually.
Our Identity in Christ
Most importantly, we have to remember that our identity isn’t found in how tough we are, how much we accomplish, or how well we hide our struggles. Our identity is in Christ. He doesn’t love us because we’re strong; he loves us because we’re His. And that’s enough.
If you’re struggling today, don’t do it alone. Reach out to God. Reach out to your brothers. Take a step toward healing. The world needs men who lead with faith, courage, and humility. Let’s be those men together, in good times and bad.
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At Man in the Mirror, we believe no man should walk alone. If you’re looking for resources, encouragement, or ways to connect with other Christian men who are committed to growing in faith and biblical manhood, visit the Man in the Mirror website. We’re here to equip and support you on your journey.
