Sometimes we become frustrated and disappointed because we feel God has not answered our prayer for our own emotional healing or the healing of someone we care about. Does God heal emotional problems?
Talking Points:
- Emotional problems are very complicated. They have to do with past experiences, our habitual behaviors, our relationship dynamics, our inborn personalities, our conscious and unconscious drives and impulses, our brain neurochemistry, our perceptions, and memories.
- Change must occur on multiple levels when looking at emotional problems. It involves our awareness, intentions, motivations, and changing of habits.
- It is important to remember that we live in a world that is affected by sin, affected by problems, affected by pain and by hurt. Romans 8:19-23
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Do you think that God has the power to heal instantaneously? If so, then why do you think if does not happen more often?
- Has there been time when you have prayed for healing for yourself or someone you loved and did not feel like God answered in the way that you hoped? Explain
- In what ways are your past experiences affecting your emotional health today? How are the past experiences of those you care about impacting them today?
- Reflect on the statement that God will not violate our free will when you think about the person that you are praying will change. Share your thoughts.
- Read Romans 8:19-23. How does this give you hope?
- What steps do you think you need to take to become a more emotionally healthy person?
- Do you think you need to be more realistic about the willingness of others to change? How could you do that?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
