Mark 7:30 commentary: mental illness and possession

30 And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out, and her daughter laid upon the bed.

Finally, the woman finds out that her daughter has been delivered of this devil. It has become more common than not, in the age of secular humanism as the established religion, not to imagine any mental or physical disorder as the work of a spiritual entity. But, these entities that are invisible to the human eye unless they take on a body do exist according to the Bible and according to the Bible they do operate in the bodies and lives of people. If you don’t believe that you don’t believe the Bible. If you don’t believe the Bible then you don’t know if you are saved even and your faith is based on your own feelings rather than a solid foundation.

Devils exist and do cause many diseases and mental illnesses. Dr. Ruckman has pointed out that, in his opinion, most mental illnesses are the result of not being willing to forgive others, not being willing to be forgiven by others, undealt with sin, and not forgiving yourself. Depression itself can be looked at as anger turned inward. However, my point here is that along with any proven chemical imbalances in the brain or a personal emotional and spiritual issue, there are also those who are affected by unseen spiritual entities.

Can a Christian be possessed or are those people indwelt by the Holy Spirit only subject to oppression? Well, as Dr. Ruckman has pointed out, if a devil has your tongue, your eyes, or any part of your mind I’m sure you aren’t going to quibble about semantics. Deal with the spiritual first by getting right with God through Christ, forgive your enemies and those who have done you wrong, declare your sins to God and ask Him for forgiveness, allow others to forgive you when you have asked them to forgive you or when they have chosen to forgive you for something you had not even addressed, and when you know God has forgiven you, accept His forgiveness and move past it. From the physical standpoint, if you are under a doctor’s care, within reason, comply with his requests and take medication as directed.

Many medications are designed only to stabilize your condition so you can think clearly. This is often important in order for you to think clearly enough to address your spiritual issues. Don’t let anyone tell you that you don’t need to take medication prescribed for you whether it be Lithium for bipolar disorder or a drug to address chronic, clinical depression. Suddenly stopping your medications on your own can make you intensely depressed and even suicidal. Do not take this on yourself without your doctor’s advisement. Of course, proper rest, a good diet, and regular exercise are fundamental to mental health as well as these spiritual and medical issues.

1John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.