I Needed to Hear That

A couple of months ago, I traveled out of state for a conference with some friends from college. I wasn’t super close with some of them, just connected enough to say hi. As they talked and caught up, I found myself hanging back, wondering if a few of them even remembered me at all. Self-doubt crept in, and I started to feel a little anxious. Out of place. Unseen.

And then, seemingly out of nowhere, I got a text from a friend:

“I feel like I’m supposed to tell you this: you are wildly rememberable. Never doubt that. Love you.”

Wow, I needed to hear that.

It’s not that this immediately erased my anxiety—it didn’t. But it did do something powerful: it reminded me of my worth. It reminded me that God often speaks through others, right when we need it most. That small moment became a turning point in my day.

Maybe you’ve had a moment like that too. A text. A verse. A comment. A song lyric. A prayer. Something that made you pause and think, “Wow, I needed to hear that.”

As we approach Mental Health Awareness Month this May, those moments feel even more important. Because truthfully, so many of us are carrying things quietly. Stress, anxiety, burnout, depression… they don’t always show up on the surface. But they’re real. And they don’t make us weak; they remind us that we’re human.

God meets us right there—in our humanity.

Faith and mental health aren’t two separate lanes; they run together. They intersect in meaningful ways, especially within our struggles. In fact, I would argue that our faith is one of the strongest tools we have when it comes to managing our mental health. It gives us a framework for understanding that our struggles don’t define us. Our faith reminds us that God sees us, loves us, and is with us through it all.

Scripture is full of reminders that speak directly to our mental and emotional health—calling us back to wisdom, rest, endurance, gratitude, focus, and hope.

In Matthew 11:28, Jesus says, “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” He doesn’t say we need to get it all together first. He doesn’t tell us to clean up our messes before coming to Him. He simply says, “Come.”

Similarly, Paul writes in Philippians 4:6–7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” We’re invited to let His peace fill the spaces where anxiety once lived.

When we’re unsure or lacking wisdom, we can ask God, and He gives generously. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

This is one of the beautiful gifts of faith: God doesn’t leave us to figure things out on our own. He is there to guide us, to speak into our lives, and to provide the peace and wisdom we need—especially in moments of confusion and doubt. He doesn’t promise that healing will come quickly or that life will always be easy. We all face seasons of waiting, pain, and uncertainty. But what He does promise is His presence. He is near to the brokenhearted, walks with us through every season, and never leaves us alone. 

I think sometimes we forget that Jesus was fully God and fully human; He understands the full range of our emotional experiences. Even Jesus made time for rest. He wept with those who mourned. He withdrew from the crowds when He needed solitude. He showed deep compassion to those who were struggling. Jesus modeled the balance of strength and vulnerability, reminding us that it’s okay to not have it all together.

A personal relationship with God and the truth of Scripture can bring deep hope, encouragement, and healing. That said, mental health challenges can remain complex and multifaceted. Sometimes we also need support from professionals, medication, therapy, or community care. Trusting God and seeking help are not mutually exclusive; both can be faithful, wise steps. If you're struggling, know that you're not alone. It's okay to ask for help from trusted mental health resources while also seeking spiritual support.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re aiming to create an intentional space to have these conversations related to the connection between mental health and faith. Mental and emotional health matter, and it’s important to be reminded that we are seen and loved—not just by the people around us, but by the God who created us.

We’re leaning into this truth at Timberline in our upcoming sermon series, “I Needed to Hear That.” It’s all about finding the right words at just the right time—the words that can lift your spirit, steady your heart, and remind you that you are not alone. We want to be a community that speaks life into one another, offering the encouragement we all need, especially in difficult times.

So, if no one has told you lately:
You matter.
Your mental health matters.
You are not a burden.
You are not alone.

Whatever you’re carrying—whether it’s stress, worry, grief, doubt, or anything else—God cares deeply about it.

This month, take a moment to check in with yourself. Spend time with God—not just for answers, but for connection. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or disconnected, reach out. Speak to someone who can encourage you. And if you feel that nudge to encourage someone else, do it. You never know how much someone might need to hear it.

For more information on mental health, faith, and additional resources, please check out The Well.