Rest for the Weary
We go through so many seasons in life and so many ups and downs. Life throws us curveballs and we encounter twists and turns that are unexpected. Ok, I’m done with the figurative speech. But it’s true! Life is hard. People respond to these seasons in different ways depending on a variety of factors: genetic makeup, life experiences, trauma, mental health struggles... All of these are contributing factors that make up who we are and how we respond to our circumstances.
For me, there are times when I get so overwhelmed with everything going on that I tend to shut down. Zone out. Withdraw. Do you know anyone like that? What used to be an incredibly active, funny, outgoing person is suddenly gone and you’re scratching your head about what happened. I know a lot of students from my time as a teacher and now as a youth pastor that enter these episodes. In fact, we are seeing very concerning numbers when it comes to mental health among youth. The pandemic certainly didn’t help this trend either. More than 200,000 children lost a parent or primary caregiver to COVID-19; what I believe isn’t talked about enough is the fact that every family that lost a loved one were denied traditional mourning and goodbye rituals because of pandemic protocols like social distancing and public health policies.1 The 2023 State of Mental Health in America Report points out even more concerns. Over 50 million Americans are experiencing a mental illness. Over 1 in 10 youth are experiencing depression so bad that it is severely impairing their ability to function in school or work, home, with family, or their social life. Unfortunately, 28% of Americans with a mental illness are unable to receive treatment they need and 42% can not afford treatment. Almost 60% of youth with major depression do not receive ANY mental health treatment. Finally, in the US there is ONE mental health worker for every 350 individuals that need treatment.2
The kids are not alright.
What is contributing to this? One of the main reasons is loneliness.3 Which is an incredible discovery considering how “connected” we are supposed to be with today’s technology and social media. Despite all the tools in the world that are supposed to connect us, there is no substitute for authentic, personal relationships.
We have got to be mindful of this problem in our communities because guess what? The church itself can offer solutions to this problem! Connectedness, purpose, growth, encouragement. These are all elements that happen when we are at our best and do so with a spirit of grace and love. Jesus modeled this for us in the gospel of John:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (John 11:28-30)
I’m not sure how to solve this mental health crisis, but I do know this: we have a lot to offer this world when we gather and represent the body of Christ – the one who offers rest for our souls. When we begin to focus on things that mattered to Jesus the most, we will begin to see transformation in the lives of people that may have never thought they could find peace and rest for their souls.
May we gather, love, and represent our Lord with all grace and peace.