January 18

Gen 37-38 | PS 16 | Prov 3:27-32 | Matt 12:22-45

There is no shortage of troubles. Many struggle with addictions, with past trauma, with family strife. For these issues many turn to psychologists or therapists. This seems logical. But, the overwhelming majority of these mental health professionals will set them on a course not aligned with Jesus. These professionals will help one with self-awareness, with finding self, but though one might gain clarity over certain issues, simply understanding why, does not settle the matter. When one empties something, the real question is what will replace it or fill it. If one replaces the emptiness often felt from their struggles with an over-emphasis on self: self-pleasing, self-satisfaction, then they are really not all that much better than they started out.

We read in Matthew 12:43-45, "When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first. So shall it also be with this wicked generation.” Our modern psychology movement can attempt to sweep the unclean spirit out. Through analysis and introspection, one might really come to an understanding to explain their struggles. But. unless this newly developed void is filled with Jesus, what refills the individual might be worse than what they sought to root out in the first place. Jesus can satisfy our every need and answer our deepest questions. Self will never be satisfied, and even at its strongest is biased and misleading.

We must understand, Jesus claimed exclusivity. He is not one of many options, or the best of many roads to take. He clearly states in Matthew 12:30, "He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad." He is the only way. He alone represents the only truth. There are no other options. So, those well-meaning mental health professionals trained in the finest secular institutions are not at all equipped with the right answers for life's most difficult situations. They will set one on a wrong path, a wrong direction. Please, seek Jesus. He will not hide Himself from you. Read through the entirety of Scripture, He will be revealed to you. In losing self, you will actually find Him.

Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley:

Marj Lancaster