Soul

Grow Spiritually

When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; 
when I became a man, I did away with childish things. 1 Cor 13:11
Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. Psalms 119:105 

What's required: Get into the Word. Read the truth found in the Word out loud. Go to church. Surround yourself with Godly people. Join a Bible study.
How it works: Both theologians and scientists agree that the fastest method of restoring your mental health is to incorporate a spiritual component. It makes sense. God created you, and until you deal with that part of your life you will struggle with your own might to right yourself.
What you should know: Your spiritual health must be your focal point.
My own experience: Building spiritual truth inside me allowed me to move past the hurt, forgive myself as well as everyone else in my life, and truly heal. It became a bedrock that allowed me to start dating again and move on quickly when it didn't work out. Of course it hurt. But I was OK and knew it. It shapes my interactions and views of other people. I'm a better father, friend, servant, professional, and one day - partner.
Why it's worth it: The world is so much better through the lens of spiritual truth. Balanced. Try it.

Things You Can Do 

  • Deck of Cards: Get these from Amazon or Mardels. Carry them with you and read an entire deck out loud every day, as many times as you need to read it. I bought several similar decks. These are the two I found most useful. Customize the order as you see fit. There is one card I discarded about making lemonade out of lemons from the Keep Calm deck because it just didn't fit with the other great scripture and quotes.
  • You Version Phone and iPad App: Download it to your phone and choose from one of the hundreds of reading plans, bible studies, etc. You can also do these online. 
  • Read Any Bible: Out loud. E.g. start in Psalms or John and just start reading. 
  • Podcasts: Anything from a pastor or from purely positive sources. There are some unhealthy ones out there - so look around and make sure you want what you're hearing to become part of how you think. 
  • Online Bible: E.g. with reading plans, etc... www.biblestudytools.com
  • ServeMentorConnect with others!

Read These Out Loud

  • Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21
  • Though you may stumble, you will not fall, for the Lord upholds you with His hand. Psalm 37:24
  • Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9
  • You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety. Job 11:18
  • Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
  • My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26
  • The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
  • The Lords plans stand firm forever; His intentions can never be shaken. Psalm 33:11
  • The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I give thanks to Him in song. Psalm 28:7
  • Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. Psalm 31:24
  • When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and rescues them from all their troubles. Psalm 34:17
  • Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
  • Gods voice thunders in marvelous ways; He does great things beyond our understanding. Job 37:5
  • Those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing. Psalm 34:10
  • Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
  • Because of the Lords great love we are not consumed, for His compassion never fails. It is new every morning. Great is His faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23
  • I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. John 16:33
  • Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Matthew 6:34
  • We know that for those who love God all things work together for good for those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28
  • Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your help will not be cut off. Proverbs 24:14
  • God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
  • Oh my strength, to you I sing praises; for you, oh God, are my refuge, the God who shows me unfailing love. Psalm 59:17
  • The Lord your God is gracious and compassionate. He will not turn His face from you. 2 Chronicles 30:9
  • The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
  • When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. Psalm 94:19
  • Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Matthew 5:8
  • Be still, and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10
  • I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me. Psalm 16:8
  • The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of our God stands forever. Isaiah 40:8
  • Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved. Psalm 55:22
  • God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
  • The joy of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10
  • For they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles. Isaiah 40:31
  • He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. Psalm 40:2
  • God will shelter you with His wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Psalm 91:4
  • If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
  • The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace. Psalm 29:11
  • Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the Lord will be your everlasting light and your days of sorrow will end. Isaiah 60:20
  • All of God's promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding yes. 2 Corinthian's 1:20
  • Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. James 4:8
  • The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1
  • We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:10
  • The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10
  • The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17
  • This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 1 John 5:14
  • Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4
  • Seek the kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33
  • The Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:5
  • God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7
  • The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliver; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. Psalm 18:2
  • May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
  • I am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, "do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13
  • You will keep Him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because He trusts in you. Isaiah 26:3
  • "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
  • When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Proverbs 3:24
  • The Lord upholds all those who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. Psalm 145:14
  • He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds. Psalm 147:3
  • I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8
  • Overwhelming victory is ours to Christ, who loved us. Romans 8:37
  • Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1
  • I can do everything through Christ, who gives Me strength. Philippians 4:13
  • In this world, you will suffer; but be courageous, for I have overcome the world! John 16:33
  • May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13
  • May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might. Colossians 1:11
  • Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. Psalm 31:24
  • Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you. Psalm 55:22
  • The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you." Psalm 32:8
  • May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our father encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
  • May you experience the love of Christ, then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Ephesians 3:19
  • The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right. Psalm 84:11
  • Hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with Him is plentiful redemption. Psalm 130:7 
  • You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety. Job 11:18
  • We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. Hebrews 6:19
  • Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12
  • God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
  • Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 2 Corinthian's 4:17
  • The Lord is my strength and my defense; He has become my salvation. Exodus 15:2
  • The Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you. 2 Thessalonians 3:3
  • The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and His ears are attentive to their prayer. 1 Peter 3:12
  • If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer. Matthew 21:22
  • Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1
  • Be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded. 2 Chronicles 15:7