Daniel: A Mentally Healthy Man

Pastor’s Pen…

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: DRIVE-UP COMMUNION SERVED AT OUR CHURCH, 10:00-11:30 AMAGAIN THIS SUNDAY. ELEMENTS WILL BE SERVED IN INDIVIDUAL, SEALED CUPS. I WILL BE WEARING N-95 MASK AND GLOVES.  DRIVE INTO THE SECOND ENTRANCE, USE THE FIRST FOR EXIT.

YOU MAY CHOOSE THIS OPTION, OR ENJOY COMMUNION AS PART OF THE ONLINE SERVICE IN YOUR HOME, PROVIDING YOUR OWN ELEMENTS

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Daniel: A Mentally Healthy Man

In recent days, calls to the mental health hotline have multiplied exponentially. In the face of the COVID 19 pandemic and the resulting economic collapse, depression, fear and anxiety have become what some have called “a pandemic of its’ own.” The National Institutes of Mental Health reports a 300% in calls to their hotline. Addiction and domestic violence have also shown marked increases. 

Is it possible to experience mental health in such stressful times? Look no further than Daniel for an example. The life of Daniel reveals several significant insights into the characteristics of mental health—characteristics that we can apply to our lives today.

I.               An ability to withstand change As a teenager Daniel was carried captive from his homeland to a foreign country, where he experienced incredibly stressful changes (ch. 1) Yet by the grace of God he survived over 80 years, lived through three administration or kingdom changes. 

II.             The ability to function at full capacity In chapter 1 Daniel handled a stressful chest; in chapter 5 he was called on to predict the downfall of the kingdom. In chapter 6 he was thrown into the lions den. Yet in all this he functioned physically, intellectually and  emotionally

III.           A positive attitude Daniel was a man who demonstrated optimism and confidence. In chapter 2 he prayed for wisdom and interpreted the King's dream. For him the glass was half full. The positive attitude can help us through trying circumstances, as it did for Daniel.

IV.           An unwavering purpose in life Many years ago a pop singer recorded a song that asked the question, “Is That All There Is?” In chapter 1 Daniel purposed in his heart to obey God no matter what. In chapter 6 he prayed despite the threat of being thrown in the lions den. He was a man of conviction. Convictions can guide us through trying times.

V.             An ability to relate to people. It takes a mentally healthy person to relate well to a variety of other people, especially in stressful times throughout his life, from his youth to old age, Daniel got along extremely well with others.

VI.           A balanced life In chapter 1. Young Daniel showed discipline and creativity. He was a man of prayer (10:12), a man of the Scripture (9:2) and a man of witness. (12:3) May we dare to be like Daniel!

VII.         Dependability In chapter 6 Daniel's excellent spirit (v.3) prompted his enemies to trap him. Despite the edict against prayer, Daniel continued faithfully praying and giving thanks to his God, as was his custom. (v. 10)

VIII.       Others-centered During stressful times many of us are tempted to become more self focused. In chapter 2 Daniel interceded on behalf of others. When others were jealous of him (ch 6), Daniel refused to allow petty jealousy into his life.

IX.           A man of the Word In Daniel 9, the prophet “understood by books” what was to happen -- he had studied the writings of Jeremiah! “The law of his God” was Daniels valued priority. God’s Word can sustain us through stressful times

X.             Dependence on God as his primary support system In chapter 1 his world crumbled, but he stood strong. In chapter 6, after surviving the Lions den, he confirmed “My God sent his angel to shut the lions’ mouth”

As a youth, Daniel watched his world crumble around him.  His external support system fell apart.  More than any other single reason, Daniel remained mentally healthy because God was his support system—and that was a system that could never fail.

     Where does God fit in our support system?

As we all know, the “Stay at Home” edict continues in force. Remember the mandates to maintain health at this time:  social distancing, staying at home and sheltering in place, hand washing, not touching our hands to our faces, the use of sanitary wipes, and maintaining an appropriate distance between individuals (6 feet, no handshakes, and no hugs). 

Also, help is available if you need it. From John and Jill Royal: If any of our FCC Wylie church family needs someone to go to the grocery store/pharmacy to avoid public contact, Jill Royal would be happy to help. Just call or text her @ 817- 941- 1204

And feel free to call or text me with prayer requests or concerns; (205) 999-7322

 IF YOU NEED TO, SET AN ALARM TO REMIND YOU OF WORSHIP ON SUNDAY AM. It does not have to be right at 10:45, worship as you are ready, and have communion elements set out 

Virtual church does not allow us to sing together, but we will have some music to sing along with, and special music as well. I recommend families and individuals sing two or three songs that are familiar to you. Also, have your communion elements ready!

Worshipping together online doesn’t allow us to pass the plate for our tithes and offerings, but we have established a convenient way to give online through the church’s website (www.fccwylie.org) or the church’s Facebook page. The link for this giving, which will go directly into the church bank account, is https://give.cornerstone.cc/FCCWylie.  We make this available as a convenience since we are not able to come to the church building.  You may also mail your offering to the church at PO Box 458, Wylie, TX 75098.

Carrie Gooch, who has put together and posted the Sunday service videos Jim Casteel has recorded.  reports we have had 25 YouTube views of last Sunday’s service. In all we’ve had 195 views over the last 28 days—a great example of how God works all things—even sheltering in place—for good to those who love Him! We have worshippers who have joined us from India and Pakistan!  Feel free to help us spread the word about our services on fccwylie.org!

Every Sunday we celebrate what Jesus did for all of us at Calvary and the ‘Easter Message’ of the empty tomb. How? By remembering Him. By loving Him. By worshipping Him. By praising Him. May this be a day of celebration!. 

A blessed Sunday worship!

Don Hawkins, D. Min.                                                                                                    Interim Pastor