Tension

Tension: Stand Alone Sermon

This coming Sunday marks the beginning of our year-long journey exploring faith and mental/emotional health. This topic emerged from our congregation survey a couple of years ago as a pressing need, and for good reason—it’s a complex area where two extremes often dominate the conversation. One extreme suggests that true faith eliminates struggles with depression, anxiety, or despair, making professional help unnecessary or even sinful. The other extreme dismisses faith entirely, claiming only the secular world can address mental health concerns. We’re pursuing a third way: affirming that seeking help from trained counselors and therapists is good, wise, and doesn’t diminish your faith, while also recognizing that Scripture speaks meaningfully to our mental and emotional well-being. The Bible is filled with godly people who struggled with anxiety, depression, and grief. Our journey begins by examining the tension between two biblical perspectives. In Philippians, Paul calls us to “rejoice always” while writing from prison. In Ecclesiastes, the Teacher observes life and declares, “everything is meaningless.” Both perspectives are true and necessary. The Teacher’s observations validate our struggles—life often feels meaningless when we seek ultimate satisfaction in finite things. Paul’s contentment shows us another way—finding our deepest joy and security in Christ rather than circumstances. The Gospel doesn’t eliminate life’s difficulties but relocates our source of meaning from things that pass away to the God who remains forever. True contentment comes not from perfect circumstances, but from the peace of God that transcends understanding. Whether you identify more with Ecclesiastes or Philippians today, both perspectives have a place in our faith journey toward wholeness.

Caleb McCaughan, Pulpit Minister

Dinner Table Conversations: 

Adult & Teen Table Talk: 

• Which of the two extremes (faith eliminates mental health struggles vs. faith has nothing to offer) have you encountered more often? How have these perspectives affected you or people you know?
• How do you personally reconcile Paul’s command to “rejoice always” with the Teacher’s observation that life is “meaningless”? Which perspective feels truer to your daily experience right now?

Little Learners’ Table Talk: 

• When you feel sad or worried, do you ever talk to God about it? What do you think God wants to hear from you?