Sharing Scripture — August 6, 2022

Nonadherence with psychiatric medication guidelines is one of the leading causes in ineffective psychiatric treatment and therefore continued psychiatric illness. Nonadherence includes the inability to receive treatment based on factors such as adverse side effects, religious beliefs, and cost. Unfortunately, it also includes the sudden discontinuation of treatment. 

This abrupt disruption can and usually does lead to withdrawal, increased psychiatric distress, and even physical illness.

We see this happen all the time.

“Approximately 40 percent of individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder do not consistently take their medications,” states Erin Demmer of “Health Digest,” highlighting findings from a 2021 review published in “Psychological Medicine. “

Often it is the lack of social support and the inability to adhere to a regular schedule for taking the medication that cause the inconsistency. Improvements in health can also contribute to patients’ erroneous belief that the prescription is no longer necessary.

You may not like what I’m about to say, but … walking with God is the same as struggling to keep up with a necessary prescription.

Walking in the Spirit can be challenging as we learn to live in the world, and not of the world. Our media and secular circles turn skeptical eyes on us when we counter the culture. There are days that we just don’t have the time or the good humor to spend a few minutes in the Bible. And when we are thriving in life, and are overcome with bravado in our success, we can forget Who gave it to us in the first place and leave God on the sidelines.

Jesus is the antidote to our human condition. Focusing on the Godhead requires diligent perseverance and disciplined will. As Paul so aptly reminds the believers at Colossae, we must struggle with all the energy God works within us (Colossians 1:29). In our struggles we are not without God’s presence; we are able to fight with God’s power.

Connecting: Hot button debate: Should followers of Jesus take medication to deal with illness, or rely strictly on the power of prayer?

Applying: Where do you sometimes tell God to hold back and wait on you? Start/add to your prayer journal with a request that you will relinquish control to God. If you are comfortable doing so, find an accountability partner so you can build each other up where each is struggling.