How are you doing emotionally? Are you struggling with depression, anger, anxiety, or fear?
A recent Army Times article shares the startling truth that more soldiers are dying from suicide than in combat. It gives me a new sense of urgency for my upcoming sermon series, Leading Our Emotions. According to the article :
• More soldiers are dying by suicide than in combat.
• The service is on track to reach its highest suicide rate yet — 29 suicides per 100,000 soldiers per year, more than three times the rate in 2004 and a more than a 25 percent increase from last year.
• More non-commissioned officers and soldiers with multiple deployments are committing suicide.
Read the whole article: Special Report: Losing the War on Suicide
Of course, the problems are not limited to the military. So many are struggling in so many ways with their mental health. It’s why I am beginning a series this Sunday, Leading Our Emotions.
Before you comment, let me assure you that each week I will stress that emotions and mental health are complex subjects. Physical health affects emotional health. I am not going to give a reductionist presentation of emotions that acts as though there are quick fixes. But there is no question that our relationship with God is foundational to spiritual and emotional health. If someone’s hope is not in God, then they may very well struggle with being downcast (Psalm 43:5)! The goal of this series will be to equip our people to lead their emotions under the Lordship of Christ.
