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A spiritual comment and prayer to start the day with writer and blogger on mental health issues and faith, Emma Scrivener.

Good morning.

Mental health struggles affect everyone, yet they are often shrouded in secrecy and shame. In the UK the biggest cause of death for men under 35 is taking their own lives. However, according to national charity Safeline, men are far less likely than women to seek psychological support. In our Instagram culture, we can look great on the outside, when inside we’re feeling very different.

In a way this is the theme of my small son’s favourite book. It’s a story called 'That's not my tractor' and it goes like this, 'That's not my tractor; its engine is too bumpy. Its trailer is too rough. Its funnel is too smooth. ' The last page reads: 'THAT'S my tractor – it's headlights are so shiny'. It’s a preschool book and we laugh at it together. But I wonder if I'm telling myself a similar story. Mine's called, 'That's not my God'.

My expectations of God make him far too small...
He’s perfect (so maybe he disapproves of my mess).
He’s strong (so maybe he hates my weakness).
He’s all-powerful (so surely he’s too busy for me and my struggles).

These are my fears. But thankfully, that’s not the God that millions know and love. The God of the Bible is perfect – so he’s perfect in compassion. He’s strong – so he fights for the weak. He’s powerful – and He’s powerfully loving. He doesn’t ask us to fix ourselves before coming to Him. Instead He says; come to me in all your brokenness; and I will make you whole.

Loving Father: Remind us today who you are; that we may know your peace. We pray this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.