Harvesting Peace: Nurturing Our Mental Health This October

Hey, family! Welcome to this special Self-Care Saturday at God’s House of Worship (GHOW). As we step into October, a time of reflection and gratitude, let’s look at a crucial aspect of our well-being: our mental health. In the craziness of life, it’s easy to forget to check in on ourselves, but today, we’re taking a moment to take care of our minds and spirits.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

"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."

This scripture touched me because it reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles. God invites and WANTS us to bring our worries and concerns to Him, and in return, He offers us peace that surpasses our understanding. Ya'll...what a comfort, to literally let go, and let God!

Acknowledging Our Feelings

Mental health isn’t just about feeling good; it’s about acknowledging our feelings, both the highs and the lows. Take a moment to sit in silence, calm your breathing, and reflect on where you are emotionally. It’s okay to not be okay sometimes, as at times we may almost feel shameful when we are not in high spirits. Recognizing our feelings is the first step toward healing. You cant fix what you suppress.

Gratitude Journaling

One of my favorites and a powerful tool for nurturing our mental health is gratitude journaling. Get your notebook and write down three things you’re grateful for each day. It could be as simple as the nice weather or a compliment from a friend. This tool helps shift our focus from what’s weighing us down to the blessings around us.

Prayer and Reflection

In our busy lives, it’s easy to forget to pause and connect with God. I am not talking about the ten second prayer we say when we are jumping in the car to go to work or get the kids to school. But, setting aside a true intimate moment each day for prayer AND reflection. Pour your heart out to Him, and don’t hesitate to ask for strength, peace, guidance and for some of us the confidence. God is always listening, and He desires to carry our burdens.

Connect with Your Community

Reach out to a friend, family member, or someone your trust. It doesn't always have to be someone from your home church, but should be someone that is genuine and has a relationship with God. Share your thoughts, worries, or joys. Let me tell you that sometimes, just talking about what’s on our minds can can lift so much off of you.

Take Time for Yourself

Self-care also means giving ourselves permission to take a break. As a mom and wife, it is almost second nature to constantly put everyone else's needs before mine. But, I have still working on getting out of that habit. Whether it’s reading a book, enjoying a bath, working out or taking a walk in nature, take time out for activities that rejuvenate your spirit. God created us for rest as well as work, and it’s essential to recharge.

Conclusion: Embracing Peace

As we embrace October, let’s commit to prioritizing our mental health. Remember Philippians 4:6-7—bring your worries to God, and let His peace guard your hearts and minds. Let this Self-Care Saturday be a reminder to nurture our mental health, recognizing that it’s just as important as our physical health.

My prayer to you all reading is that you find strength in our connection with God and one another as we continue to grow and thrive.

Stay blessed family, and if you are in need of prayer please send in a prayer request at https://www.godshouseofworship.com/join-us! Let’s nurture our minds and spirits together!

— With love, The GHOW Team