Qwak House Media

As I was reading Proverbs chapter 20 the other day, verse 24 really stood out to me: “The steps of man are from God; what does man know about his own way.” Now, that verse is wrapped in my mind, entangling my thoughts, as I believe it holds profound relevance in today’s culture. In a world where mental disorders, depression, and anxiety are prevalent, taking action often helps alleviate these burdens. However, merely taking action isn’t always sufficient, as it may conflict with one’s moral principles. Each of us is born with an innate sense of right and wrong, though the environment in which we are raised can shape and alter these moral standards, for better or for worse. This essay is an attempt to explore the etymology of mental disorders and their connection to a divine being, commonly referred to as God.

First, let’s dissect the word “disorder.” “Dis” signifies a lack of, or opposition to, while “order” traces back to its 13th-century roots, denoting a community living under religious discipline. From Old French “ordre,” meaning position, regulation, or religious regulation, and Latin “ordo/ordinem,” signifying a row, line, pattern, or routine. Consequently, “disorder” implies a disruption or confusion of this disciplined order. Thus, without such structure, individuals may experience confusion, leading to conditions like depression and anxiety.

Before delving into depression and anxiety, let’s examine the terms “mental” and “illness” separately before intertwining them. “Mental,” originating in the early 15th century, pertains to the mind, intellect, or spiritual character, stemming from Latin “mentalis/men,” meaning of the mind. “Illness,” circa 1500, refers to disease, sickness, or moral degeneration, derived from the Old Norse “illr,” denoting evil or hardship. When combined, “mental illness” signifies a state of moral or spiritual affliction. Thus, mental disorders arise from a place of spiritual turmoil, engendered by a lack of discipline and order.

Anxiety, dating back to the 1520s, is characterized by apprehension, unease, and a restless dread of uncertainty. Its roots lie in the uncertain future, which, for many, induces feelings of anxiety and apprehension. However, entrusting our uncertainties to God, as advocated in Proverbs 20:24, can alleviate this burden. Similarly, Jesus’s teachings in Matthew 6:25-34 urge us to trust in God’s providence, freeing us from worry about the future.

Depression, another prevalent mental disorder, entails prolonged sadness and loss of interest in once-enjoyable activities. Its etymology, from the 1400s, suggests a pressing down or dejection of the spirit, akin to the angular distance of a star below the horizon. This metaphorical “pressing down” is indicative of spiritual oppression, thwarting individuals from fulfilling their earthly duties. By straying from God’s path, we succumb to this spiritual oppression, manifesting as depression.

Even the most industrious individuals, when plagued by depression and anxiety, may find their productivity hindered. This stems from a focus on worldly pursuits over spiritual enrichment. As Matthew 6:19-21 elucidates, worldly treasures are ephemeral, whereas treasures in heaven endure. Hence, combining material success with spiritual wealth empowers individuals to advance the kingdom of God.

Another note on worry about the future, Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:25-34 that the birds have no worry about what they will eat and troubles of tomorrow, so why should we? We are more important to God than the birds, so won’t God provide for us if we have complete faith in him? That answer is a resounding YES!

In conclusion, God’s Word offers solace amid life’s chaos, guiding us toward order and enlightenment. By fostering a relationship with God through prayer and meditation on His Word, we illuminate the darkness within and without. You are a vessel of God’s light; nurture it through the study of scripture and communion with the Divine. In doing so, you’ll outshine any counterfeit illumination. Thank you for investing your time in reading this. Have a blessed day.

P.S. If anyone here is struggling with mental afflictions it truly would be beneficial to pray. Even if you have never done this before. Just ask God with sincerity to take your troubles from you. Then act diligently to understand His Word for it will help more than any other human can. With God on your side you’re problems become so small they are no longer overshadowing you.