These stats got my attention

“Sanctify them in the truth;

Your word is truth."

John 17:17

These Stats Got My Attention

When we talk about the Fitness “F,” we normally talk about the physical aspect. But today, I want to address the mental aspect of the Fitness “F.” A quick Google search returned these results, among many other alarming statistics:

• One in four young adults (ages 18–25) experience a mental health condition each year.

• Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people (ages 10–24) in the U.S.

• Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health conditions, affecting over 19% of adults.

A growing number of people have mental health problems. A sizable portion of doctors’ visits are precipitated by illnesses such as depression, hypertension, elevated blood pressure, intestinal issues, and headaches. The source of all these maladies is elevated levels of stress and anxiety.

A Simple Point

Many of these and other mental health issues are problems of our own making: doomscrolling, worry about things we can’t control, coveting what is not ours to have (Exodus 20:17), etc.

However, God has the answers to all these and other mental health issues. It’s all found in The Word of Truth.

Once you start the habit of Bible reading, let the consistency compound daily over decades. It’s not about perfection. It’s not even about getting through the Bible. It’s about getting the Bible through you.

The Truth

We need to commit our hearts and minds to daily intake of His Word of Truth to combat the lures of the world (I John 2:15–17).

The medical community is slowly realizing that prayer is also beneficial to health. When we pray, our rate of metabolism, heart rate, and blood pressure all decrease.

A daily time of Bible study, accompanied by prayer, can quickly address the most essential elements for maintaining an alert mind and a low level of stress. When reading the greatest book ever written by the greatest mind in the universe, the benefits should be obvious.

Apply It

I’m working on reading through the Bible once a year. Some years I do, and some I don’t. Most important, I’m working on getting the Bible in my mind and heart.

However, after spending time in God’s Word, I also have a goal to read 10 pages a day of a good book. Some days it happens, and some it doesn’t. The main goal is to keep my mind and heart focused on Him and not on the things of this world.

Many men have a physical fitness plan. What is your mental health plan? What are you reading? What are you praying over? What do you focus your mind and heart on each day?

Keep your mind strong.

Paul Hopp

MD5 Facilitator