Author Archives: Ketsia Nfumu

For better or for worse

I try not to put too much emphasis on whether the Lord will completely heal you on this side of eternity. This is because of two reasons:

  1. I am not 100% certain if you will receive your complete healing on this side of eternity 
  2. Even if He heals you, I am 100% certain that there will be another area in your life that will cause you distress. 

Not because the Lord is cruel, but because suffering is part of life here on earth. 

The Lord wants you to sustain your faith in the difficulties of life so that you won’t lose your salvation. 

In the Western world, the gospel is often misinterpreted. There is a version of the gospel preached that the Lord is some genie that only promises good things when you give your life to Him. 

This is simply not true. 

The gospel is about the King of kings, your Maker, being next to you while you do life (Psalms 16:8). 

When life hits you with something you never saw coming, your Maker is by your side. 

When you find yourself in a pit with a depth you never could imagine, He is with you (Isaiah 43:2). 

Life will hit you with trials, and Christ will be by your side if you let Him. Every trial, He is standing with open arms (1 Corinthians 16:23), and it is your decision if you let Him be Lord while you’re suffering.

See, because you decide the level of intimacy you have with the Lord. 

Whenever you go through suffering, you have two choices: be mad at the Lord and go through suffering without Him. Or collapse in His arms and experience for yourself the Lord you serve. 

One that does not want you to lose intimacy with Him due to temporary suffering. One that doesn’t want you to lose your salvation due to suffering that is only fleeting. One that wants to sustain you through suffering that is nothing compared to the joy that awaits us in heaven. 

Maybe life is not about what God will give you on this side of eternity. Maybe life is about a commitment to intimacy with Him, for better or for worse. 

Some trust in chariots

The art of overcoming mental illness is simply choosing to trust the Lord more than your own thoughts. 

During the time I went through mental illness, the Lord taught me not to believe everything I was thinking. Mental illness distorts your thought life, which means that your thoughts are not trustworthy. 

However, His word (the bible) is always trustworthy. 

In this post, I want to convince you to trust the word of the Lord because He has proved Himself trustworthy time and time again. 

After the flood, He promised Noah that He would never flood the earth again, and since that day, He has not. He even gave us a rainbow as a sign of this promise. So we can never forget His faithfulness (Genesis 9: 9-14). 

Another sign of His faithfulness is the promise of our saviour (Isaiah 9:6-7). The Lord promised that Christ would come and that He would rule for eternity. 

My personal favorite is that the Lord is so trustworthy that He doesn’t go against His own word. The fact is that the Lord can do what He wants. He could flood the earth again and wipe the entire human race. He could cancel sin and change the rules around salvation. But He won’t, because the Lord is so trustworthy that He won’t go against His own word. 

Because if He did, it wouldn’t make Him trustworthy anymore. 

If your thoughts ever make you believe that you are all alone in your mental battles. Meditate on bible verses about the Lord always being with you and never leaving you alone. 

If you ever feel like you can’t move forward anymore, meditate on bible verses about the Lord carrying you through. 

If you ever feel hopeless and that there is no way out, meditate on bible verses about there always being hope and the Lord always providing a way out. 

You can trust Him because He has proved Himself trustworthy. 

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. – Psalm 20:7

Recharge in His presence

I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. – psalm 121:1-2 

People often acknowledge the strength that has been portrayed through my life . It takes a lot of strength to carry yourself through mental suffering. To find the strength to maintain yourself in your recovery journey, and to participate in daily activities. 

In this post I want to share where I found the strength the past few years: in His presence. You need to learn to recharge yourself in His presence. See yourself as a battery and his presence as a charger. Stay in His presence until you feel strengthened enough. During tough seasons I found myself days following each other abiding in his presence. 

There are different ways to spend time in the presence of the Lord. I achieve this by listening to worship. Other people achieve this by spending time in complete silence, and focusing on the Lord. Another option is through prayer. Your relationship with the Lord should be personal and in that you’ll find what is best in your communication with Him. 

Whenever you feel worn out by your mental battles, I encourage you to spend time in his presence and let him recharge you. Ask the Lord to strengthen you and see how He will show up. He will strengthen you in such a way that you’ll look back to seasons in your life and will be amazed by the strength you had. 

I want you to remember that you’re never alone, you can acknowledge His presence at any time of the day. And He will give you the strength you need. 

Don’t give up, 

Christ and I are rooting for you. 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7

Christ, the solution

This is another post that emphasizes a characteristic of Jesus. In this post, I want to highlight that He is a solution because He is the answer to the mental illness epidemic. 

Mental illness is a true epidemic, and there is an urgent need for a solution to the complexity of mental illness (WHO, 2024).

There are multiple stories in the Bible where people with an illness were hopeless but knew that Jesus would be the solution. An example is the story of the man who couldn’t move. This man was lying on a sleeping mat while he was being carried by others. The men who were carrying him were trying to get him to Jesus. However, it was so busy that they were unable to come close to Him. So, they made a hole in the roof and lowered the man on the sleeping mat in front of Jesus. In this story, Jesus ended up healing the man (Luke 5:18-26).

In the story above, you see the determination of the men to get their friend to Jesus. I think this was because they were convinced that Jesus would be their solution, which He ultimately was. Jesus showed Himself faithful through this story, and He will also do that for you. When you lean into Him during your mental suffering, you’ll see that He will come through for you.

Jesus is the solution when you are going through mental suffering. 

He can be the safe place you need, where you’ll always be understood. 

He can offer you strength on days when it is hard to keep going. 

He will encourage you every time it’s needed.

He will give you insight during your suffering so that you’ll know what is true. 

He is the solution because He is all in one. Today, there is a lack of understanding of the characteristics of Jesus. Who He is, is what you need while going through mental suffering.

Ah, Lord GOD! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you. – Jeremiah 32:17

Christ, the savior

In this blog post, I want to highlight another aspect of Jesus’ identity. Today, I want to emphasize that He is a savior, someone who saves you from dangers or difficulties.

If you find yourself in a challenging situation, Jesus will save you. He is known for saving us from eternal death, infinite suffering, and ongoing pain (Matthew 13:50). He did this by dying on the cross for us, which He did out of love. He saves us because He loves us.

The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing. – Zephaniah 3:17

His qualities as a savior do not stop at the cross. He wants to be your savior in your everyday life.

He saves you by protecting you:

“The Lord watches over you, the Lord is your shade at your right hand.” – Psalms 121:5

He saves by guiding you on the right path: The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. – Deuteronomy 31:8

Saving is in His DNA.

He is especially your savior when you are struggling with your mental health. The strength you need is found in His presence, and He will be there to comfort you.

Struggling with your mental health is often very complex and can be tangled with unhealed trauma. This is one of the reasons why doctors often can’t fully help people get out of a mental state; it is too complex.

Jesus, however, is the maker of heaven and earth. Nothing is too hard for Him. While I was going through mental illness, Jesus gave me insight into the root causes. He was there with me every step of the way and led me to a place of deliverance.

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.- John 14:26

You’ll always have hope because you’ll always have Him.

Trust the one who gave you life

Life. A beautiful mystery. 

I spent a lot of my time debating the meaning of life and why such a thing exists. Consequently, I asked God a lot of questions about human life.  

I came to one conclusion:

You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’

 It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about,  things far too wonderful for me. – Job 42:3 

The meaning of life is too wonderful for us to understand. As humans it is hard to completely understand God, His ways, and His purposes. However the bible does give us an image of the way God is in the details of our lives. 

He had a plan for us before we were formed in our mother’s womb (Jeremiah 1:5). 

Then he knitted us together in our mother’s womb  (Psalm 139:13). 

He gave people the free will to come back to Him (Isaiah 44:22). 

If we make the decision to walk with Him, He leads us through life and gives us an assignment here on the earth (1 Corinthians 7:17). 

And then we can go back to heaven to spend eternity with Him (Titus 1:2). 

This sounds like a beautiful plan, but living it out can sometimes be difficult. The bible mentions the suffering and tribulations we would have while living on this earth. It also ensures that we are always safe with God and that He will carry us through (John 16:33; Psalm 9:9; Isaiah 46:4). 

It can be hard to keep your faith when you are suffering mentally and other people are not. Or when you are going through other difficulties other people aren’t facing. If God is who He says He is, then why does He allow these things to happen? 

I am the first to admit that I don’t have all the answers, but I do know that God has good plans for his children and that His ways are simply different than our ways. 

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.- Isaiah 55:8-9

God has a beautiful plan for you if you decide to walk with Him. Far too wonderful for you to understand. 

I want to encourage you to trust Him with your life. And His plans for your life to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and hope.  

I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the Lord ; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope. – Jeremiah 29:11 

Christ, the comforter

This is another blogpost that emphasizes a characteristic of Jesus. Today I want to introduce Him as a Comforter:

someone who eases your feelings of grief or distress. 

Jesus knows exactly what your wounded soul needs. 

The story of Lazarus illustrates the way Jesus gives comforts to His loved ones.  

Lazarus was a friend of Jesus. He was suffering from an illness and his sisters went to Jesus to tell him. Jesus’ immediate response was one of comfort: ‘Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the son of God will receive glory from this (John 11:4).’

The story continues and Lazarus actually died. Moreover, he had been in his grave for four days when Jesus arrived at the scene. One of Lazarus’ sisters told Jesus that Lazarus would not have died, if Jesus would’ve been there. Jesus consoles the sister again by telling her: ‘Your brother will rise again’ (John 11:23). 

Although Jesus was certain that Lazarus would be resurrected, He still sympathizes with the people. 

When Jesus saw her sobbing, and the Jews who had come with her also sobbing, He was deeply moved in spirit [ to the point of anger at the sorrow caused by death] and was troubled, and said, ‘Where have you laid him?’ They said, ‘Lord, come and see.’ Jesus wept (john 11:33-35).  

The story of Lazarus ends with the fact that Jesus raised his voice at Lazarus’ tomb and told him to come out. Lazarus actually came out and was resurrected by Christ (John 11: 43-44). 

Jesus knew this story would have a happy ending, however, He still grieved with the people that were grieving. 

Jesus wants to console you, and grieve with you when you are suffering mentally. Just as He was deeply moved when He saw the people grieving over Lazarus death, He is also deeply moved when you are going through mental distress. 

It can be hard for your physical environment to understand your mental suffering, this can often lead to misunderstandings that are not always beneficial for your recovery process. 

My personal experience is that Jesus completely understands your feelings and always knows how to comfort you.

 Shout for joy, O heavens, and rejoice, o earth, and break forth into singing, o mountains! For the Lord has comforted His people and will have compassion on His afflicted. – Isaiah 49:13 

Christ, the shelter

This is another post about a characteristic of Jesus that is not emphasized enough in culture. Today, I want to introduce Him as a shelter:

Someone that is a place of safety in the midst of distress. 

When people are in danger, for instance, during a war, they are looking for shelter because they know that there they will find safety.

A place where they can find rest. 

A place where they can think about their next step. 

A place where they can regain their focus. 

A place where they can be taken care of. 

This is exactly who Jesus wants to be in your life. 

For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His shelter. In the secret place of His tent He will hide me. He will lift me up on a rock. – Psalm 27:5 

In moments of mental distress, expressing your suffering might seem difficult, often due to the fear of being judged or stigmatized. As a result, people often suffer in silence, which, in itself, can have negative consequences. During my own mental agony, I experienced the presence of Christ as the only place where I was totally understood. There was no need to wear a mask or to pretend that my mental suffering was not taking place. 

His presence is a place where you can show your ugliest side and still be loved and understood. 

In the midst of mental suffering, the presence of Christ can be a place where you receive the strength to carry on. It is a safe space where you will be comforted in your mental distress. You’ll receive the exact words your soul needs to hear. This is because God made you and knows exactly what you need. The One from whom you come from is the One who knows you best. 

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe – Psalm 4:8 

Christ, the redeemer

In this post I want to continue the series about characteristics of Christ that are not being emphasized enough in culture. Therefore, I want to introduce Him as a redeemer, not only because He redeemed us from eternal death.

Because He is the one who will redeem the time.

I want to keep emphasizing that even when you walk with God, suffering is inevitable during this life on earth. One of the promises you do have as a child of God is that He will redeem the time.

Time that life took from you when it hit you unexpectedly.

Time you spent surviving instead of living.

A tangible example of one’s life that was redeemed is the life of Job. Job was a man that went through tremendous suffering. The bible even emphasizes that: ‘ … He was blameless, a man of complete integrity. He feared God and stayed away from evil’ – Job 1:1. He did not sow his suffering and hadn’t done anything to deserve what happened to him. The first part of his life is a true tragedy; however at the end of his life: ‘ … the Lord restored his fortunes. In fact, the Lord gave him twice as much as before.’ – Job 42: 10

God redeemed the time of Job’s suffering by giving him back twice as much. Consequently, he lived a long and fulfilled life. The story of Job shows that although we don’t see the reason for suffering, trusting God and staying close to Him will ensure that He will redeem the time.

We serve a God of restoration. Therefore, when you stand face to face with suffering, I encourage you to not go through it with despair. Look forward with hope to the redeemed time. Personally, I have had a fair share of suffering. I must admit that I am glad the seasons I am referring to are over. However, there is something beautiful in the ability to lean on Christ, during your suffering. I would never have experienced Christ in such an intimate way as I refer to Him in my posts. This is something I would never want to trade, and something I believe, is the essence of life.

In your seasons of suffering, hold on to Christ and see how He will show up, so that your testimony will align with mine and Job’s:

I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes. – Job 42:5

Christ, the keeper

This is another blog post about the characteristics of Jesus, which is different than how He is portrayed in culture. Today I want to introduce Him as a keeper:

Someone who will carry you through and cause you to endure. 

While I was going through mental suffering, I can honestly say that it was the intimacy with Jesus that has kept me. 

Intimacy with Jesus is like an anchor, one thing that is steady when everything else around you is shaking. In intimacy with Him I found, hope, strength, and the ability to move forwards step by step. 

I will be your God throughout your lifetime until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will carry you. I will carry you along and save you. – Isaiah 46:4

Trials and tribulations are inevitable in this life, whether they take place mentally or in other areas. Furthermore there are numerous examples of people in the bible that went through suffering. One biblical figure I want to highlight in this post is the life of Joseph. This man was a free man and sold into slavery by his own brothers. Later in his life, he was detained as an innocent man. God allowed Joseph to go through a tremendous amount of suffering. However, what is also seen in the story of Joseph is the way God blessed Him in his difficult seasons. The bible says that as a slave and a prisoner, God was with him and allowed everything he did to succeed, favoring him in his difficulties (Genesis 39). Although Joseph went through unfair suffering the Lord carried Him through and caused Him to endure. 

Have you felt imprisoned, because of your mental suffering?

Have you felt like you are not capable to do certain things or to live in a certain way?

When you give your life to Christ, He will keep you through your mental suffering. This will happen in such a way that you’ll look back and question how you kept yourself standing or how you survived certain things. This is one of the benefits of having an intimate relationship with Christ. I don’t know why some people go through mental suffering and others don’t.

However, I do know that Christ will keep you in the midst of it.