Spirituality plays a vital role in our mental health. We are physical beings, but we have emotional and spiritual needs as well. Being aware of our spiritual needs is of vital importance. Who we are, what is our purpose in life? Why are we here? Why is there suffering on a beautiful planet and universe? What does the future hold for us as individuals and as a society? These are questions that can often times best be addressed on a spiritual level.

To ignore one's spirituality is like a table with only three legs, all of our needs must be addressed in order for our minds and bodies to coordinate effectively. A self-indulgent or decadent lifestyle can lead to psychological disorders for some. What is our higher purpose in life?

Prayer, taking time for reflection, Bible reading, as in the reading of the Psalms and Gospels, is of value in both developing spirituality and in finding peace and strength in taking time to meditate and find a peaceful space in our lives.

Doing this daily can strengthen us, the words of persons from the past who had a true purpose in life, a strong connection with the Creator, and who used their lives to teach and inspire others over the centuries, can help us to develop inner strength and to find our place in the universe and with God. Daily Bible reading can be a valuable part of therapy, and can help as part of our toolbox of  psychological and spiritual coping skills.

Finding our peace and place with God is an essential part of a healthy psychological profile.

Some Helpful Scriptural Thoughts that Apply to Mental Health

"Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need." Matthew 5:3. This is part of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus most concise and profound teachings, found in Matthew 5,6,7. Gandhi referred to the Sermon on the Mount with respect and reverence, and felt that most of the worlds problems could be solved with attention to the principles espoused there.

"There is more happiness in giving than in receiving." This is a quote from Jesus, and by practicing unselfish giving, it leads to good mental health and happiness. We find both purpose and happiness, not by satisfying every selfish desire, but by living our lives unselfishly and giving to others. Sermon on the Mount

With every form of prayer and supplication, remain awake, with thanksgiving." Being thankful helps us not to give in to despair and to develop a positive attitude. Praying for help and giving thanks, helps us to be stable and to develop inner strength. Supplication, or strong and earnest prayers, can also help us to break through barriers that we might not otherwise be able. It has been stated "With God all things are possible," and there is a measure of truth in this on a personal level.

Prayer is a powerful spiritual and psychological aid. Praying specifically about our situation, for strength, wisdom, understanding, and guidance, can be of much help. It is up to us also, to take positive actions and make changes in our lives, but prayer buoys us up and makes it possible to succeed despite the most dire of circumstances. Knowing that there is a higher purpose in life, can help us to keep going when we might feel like giving up. There is more to life than our brief present existence on this planet, there is a higher purpose, and prayer is more than a catharsis, it really does have power and validity.

Cultivating, then our spirituality in a positive way, avoiding the depressing, dark side of life that some pursue through spiritism or occult practices, films and games, helps youths to not give in to despair and have a forward looking attitude. Focusing on the light, on the good, on things of peace and joy, leads to a positive attitude and happiness.

Psalms of Comfort and Strength

Reading the Psalms is comforting and soothing. The experiences of King David were poignant and difficult. His emotions provided a backdrop for the composition of beautiful and emotional Psalms which often may reflect deep emotions which we ourselves are experiencing. Because David had cultivated a strong relationship with God, his prayers in the Psalms can help us also to lift up our hearts, our souls to God. Reading the Psalms with a prayerful attitude can help us to grow spiritually and gain spiritual strength. These are three Psalms which are comforting and strengthening. However, reading the entire book of Psalms, 150 psalms in all, can be of much help spiritual in times of difficulty, and help to draw you close to God.

Pages Related to Spirituality and Psychology

Prayer and Health, Mental Health - University of Massachusetts Researchers say prayer is on the rise for health and mental health in the U.S.

The Sermon on the Mount Greatest Psychology Treatise Ever Written

Help for Depression Bible Psalms, Psalms 103

Power of the Psalms - Psalms 139

Power of the Psalms Anxiety Help - Psalms 86