This verse emphatically states Jesus healed ALL individuals who were brought unto Him. This verse clearly tells me God can absolutely heal any physical, mental, spiritual sickness on this earth today if it be in His will to do so by prayer. We do serve the same God today who walked upon the ground in fleshly form, among many spiritually ill individuals, during His earthly ministry. A number of individuals Jesus came into contact with in His earthly ministry suffered from a putrid spiritual virus darkening the inside chambers of their hardened hearts and clearly affecting their outward demeanor and actions.
This Bible verse does not say He healed some of these individuals who were ill but rather He healed all that were sick. This verse tells us His “holy prescription” for their mental ailment; was His word. Today we have the complete Bible, His Word, which contains all the spiritual “antibiotic” necessary to eradicate evil and dark spirits dwelling in the minds and hearts of many who are in great spiritual need.

Jesus healed many individuals, while He sojourned here on earths which were physically, spiritually and mentally ill. Crowds of people thronged to His side bringing Him family members and close friends in need of healing. People were so desperate to come in contact with Jesus a man of short stature named Zacchaeus even climbed a sycamore tree to fight the throng of the crowd catching a glimpse of Jesus and His ministry.
We serve the same powerful and holy God today. He has not changed. He has not moved. He has not had a power failure or loss of ability to destroy any spiritual maladies and demons as He did in Biblical times.

Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:8 KJV)

What has changed; people have. Many do not seek Him. Many do not want to hear the message of His truth. Many choose to suppress the truth of His Word. He is the only lasting cure for their spiritually based mental ailments.
Today families and close friends do not bring their loved ones unto the feet of Jesus Christ; laying their burdens at the foot of the cross. Many individuals battling mental illness choose to be shuffled off to psychologists, counselors, treatment centers, hospitals, psychologists and the like. They are treated with high potent prescriptions, counseled for their behavioral condition, and treated “culturally appropriate;” never discriminated against for their out of control mental disorder and underlying psychotic behaviors.

But I ask you to consider:

What about the man whom Jesus met in the Gadarenes?

"And they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes. And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains: Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him. And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones. But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him, And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not. For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit. And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many. And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country. Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding. And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them. And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea." (Mark 5:1-13 KJV)

This evil spirit instantly knew and acknowledged who Jesus was. This spirit never considered denying or suppressing innate knowledge that Jesus was in authority over him, understanding the authority and power came from the highest authority, God, ruling the Heavens. Jesus spoke and the unclean spirits verbally recognized Jesus as the Son of the most high God. That is much more than many will dare to acknowledge today.

Jesus showed His power by verbally commanding the many spirits to come out from this man. The spirits begged Jesus to allow them to go into a herd of swine nearby, knowing He was their authority, and that He could send them straight to Hell. This knowledge caused fear to swell and rise to ultimate levels among these dark spirits. The unclean spirits entered into the herd of swine sending the herd instantly reeling over the side of a cliff and into the sea. The Bible tells us there were many unclean spirits; thousands, as in a legion of soldiers, were removed this man. This scripture proves an individual can become infected with numerous unclean spirits. Demon spirits can only take up residence in individuals who are unsaved and living amid spiritual darkness and death today as well.

This man from the Bible spoke of was from the Gadarenes and was actually living in and around the tombs; possibly having an attraction or affinity of some sort with the dead. It is possible he had some sort of occultist activity or nature that led him to live among the tombs but the Bible does not expand on the reason he was found living there. Today occult activity and demons often go hand in hand because it is the very essence and nature of darkness and evil.
Take note that the spirit within him affected everything about this man’s behavior. Scripture tells us he was wild and uncontrollable; no man could bind him or tame his behavior. He was uncontrollable all the time. Day and night he was roaming about through both the valleys and peaks of life without self-control. The outer circumstances had no effect upon the behavior of this demon possessed man. He went about crying and cutting himself without regard for himself or others. Jesus healing him of this devil possession was his only hope for a normal existence. There are individuals today who are living in an out of control fashion just like this demon possessed man.
“And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done. And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.” (Mark 5:14-15 KJV)

Those who witnessed this biblical scene play out; the owners of the swine and the crowd that had gathered, clearly understood the power Jesus had used in conveying the unclean spirits be removed from this man into the herd. What was powerful, even more than the spirits being removed, was the countenance and nature of this man after this eradication had taken place.

“And when he was come into the ship, he that had been possessed with the devil prayed him that he might be with him. Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.” (Mark 5:18-19 KJV)

The man was so overwhelmed with what Jesus had done for him. He begged Jesus to allow him to accompany him on His earthly journey of spreading the gospel message. Jesus sent him instead back to where he had come, his former lifestyle, to witness to those who were familiar with his disOBedient and unhindered lifestyle before the legion of unclean spirits was removed. Jesus knew this would be a powerful testimony all on its own and many people would clearly understand the power and compassion Jesus conveyed when he spiritually healed this desperately lost man.
The Bible records others who were spiritually healed from demons as well:

“And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance.”

“And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit; And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not. He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me. And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming.”

“And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him.” (Mark 1:23-25 KJV)
“Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.”

There are many instances in scripture of demon possession, depression, and mental illness among Bible believing Christians. There are several examples of spiritual deliverance from a variety of mental illnesses and demon possession in the Word of God through faith, fasting, and prayer. There are examples of depression in the Psalms and the book of JOB. Christians do get depressed and there are many scriptural examples of this. David lost the joy of his salvation and asked for God to restore it in Psalm 51. Clearly God’s power is necessary and powerful in the treatment and eradication of depression and many varieties of mental illnesses.

Often a stigma is attached to Christians who have depression or mental illness of some sort and many are often not forthcoming in admitting they suffer from mental illness. Churches and Christians vary in their approach and understanding of mental disorders. Even different church denominations will vary in their approach to combating mental illness. There are many approaches used today. It boils down to separating man’s attempts at throwing various secular resources towards the many mental illnesses versus the record the Bible contains about biblical precepts Jesus and His disciples employed when dealing with mental maladies.

Unfortunately there are many who suffer the effects of some form of mental illness without seeking any form of treatment, secular or biblical. It is okay for any individual to admit they have a mental issue or prOBlem of some sort that needs to be further dealt with. The first step in finding a solution is admitting there is a prOBlem. Secondly it is a prOBlem which needs to be dealt with in a fashion that line up with the precepts of the Bible because the Bible is the foundation everything about life is built upon. The spiritual condition of the heart is of utmost importance in any circumstance of life.

The first step should be to search the Bible for examples of mental disorders plaguing God’s people and solutions employed in those situations. One important facet of mental illnesses is trying to discover the root of the situation. The Bible tells us foremost:

"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."

It is important to keep this precept at the front of the line when considering biblical solutions for mental illness. The heart is the very center of our will and emotion. If the heart is not in a right relationship with God, then nothing in one’s life will stack up in decent order accordingly. A proper spiritual heart condition is the most important aspect to consider when evaluating a mentally challenging illness. A heart darkened by unbelief, or by unconfessed sin in a saved individual can greatly hamper or hinder mental processing and condition of the heart and mental facilities as well.

Never under-estimate the immense power love of Christ and the unequaled power of quoting Bible verses to a person who is hampered by mental illness by a pastor or a person who is widely versed and knowledgeable about scriptures and the power contained therein:

"May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us."

Christ has the power, if it be His will, to successfully weave a person into the power and control of His spirit whether it is from oppression or possession of an evil spirit(s) upon or within a person.

God has given us all the possibility of the power of a sound mind which has the full potential of operating clearly, concisely and within the realms of the standards set forth of godly discipline and order. A mind that operates outside of those precepts or boundaries is not a sound mind but rather one that is tossed to and fro by outward stimuli including one’s emotions and circumstances of the world, rather than being under sound spiritual control from God.
Sin raging within the heart creates chaos and confusion. In the fifty-first Psalm David confesses his sin before a holy and knowing God. David’s contrite and has a heartfelt intention seeking to be made right with God. A heart that is full of sin and/or evil spirits can make one miserable, bitter and full of anger to himself and others around him. David prays for relief of attitudes and desires not befitting a child of God.

“Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.”

A great question for those who are in wretched and miserable disorder is about the spiritual condition of their heart including the degree or temperature of their faith in God. A cold heart does not know or understand about faith or the love of God. A lukewarm heart is neither heated up for the purposes of God or cold nor withdrawn and suppressing the truth. A heart that is in fire for the Lord is all about advancing the principles and godly lifestyle; becoming more Christ-like as they march onward towards eternity.

Often individuals suffer in this world. There are different or varying reactions or responses to suffering. Some people suffer loudly, always complaining, to anyone that will listen about the condition and quality of their life. The glass is never half full but always almost empty. Others take suffering on with a quiet and humble spirit. It is very interesting to note that the Holy Spirit sent from God, enters into a saved person’s life, is a spirit of peace and has a calming effect upon us as we choose to live in OBedience to Him and His will for our lives.

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

This may not cancel all prOBlem situations, doubts and fears from your life but it will considerably alleviate fears and concerns grounded in viewing life through a worldly viewpoint. The Bible does tell us:

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love."

(1 John 4:18 KJV)

If fear hath torment than a person who is living buried amid many fears and concerns about things of this world would be tormenting themselves spiritually; causing a fearful storm to erupt forth. While some fear may be validated as worthwhile in planning and evaluating. The only fear that is constructive in the spiritual life is fear of the God; all other fear is destructive in nature and serves to tear apart a person’s life. Fear causes anxiety, depression, low energy level, and anxiety attacks. Fear causes an overwhelming feeling of impending doom, distorted thoughts, or inadequacy in some way. There are many individuals who are suffering from one or more of these common ailments not based upon reality as viewed through the “holy lenses” of Christ. These fearfully based mindsets are based upon experiences but not necessarily spiritual truth. Feelings and emotions will mislead you into believing something that you feel but is not necessarily true. Often the “enemy” inside a person comes from within. The solution requires taking responsibility for their actions and attitude. The solution begins with repairing a “spiritually shattered” heart condition.

Many today are caught up in the dependency syndrome; dependent on cigarettes, liquor, caffeine, highly caffeinated drinks, drugs, prescription medications, and leaning on anything that will “prop” them up. The prOBlem is all these crutches will fall because they are temporary fixes in nature; often leaving the individual in worse condition than before the dependency began.

A reality check for this world: many churches are ill-equipped to handle mentally challenged or ill persons. Many, often even pastors, do not understand biblical precepts concerning mental health. The influence of man’s concept of dealing with and treating mental illness has crept within the church house and perverted the truths of scripture. Few understand how to apply scriptural truth and prayer to situations involving mentally ill individuals.

The bottom line is that each man has been made in the image of God and each woman in the image of man . God does not make junk. God was very meticulous and creative in making each individual.

"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth."

(Genesis 1:27-28 KJV)

God gave each us life, precious life in the blood. He gave us the breath of life, the word nepesh, into our lungs. Without the blood and breath of fresh air we would not survive on earth. He also gave us responsibilities, commandments, precepts, and work. Yes work. He gave us all these things; but gave us all we need to successfully live life for Him. If there is something wrong in your life it is with YOU not His creation, not with the people who are around you, not the preacher, not your family, not your jOB, not your financial situation. This list can go on and on with excuse after excuse, however no devastating circumstances or people surrounding you are solely responsible for where you have found yourself in life. Certain situations such as abuse, ill physical health, death of a close relative or friends can temporarily cause a situation that is not productive and beneficial to one’s life, however, like JOB, Joseph, and David looming situations can prove you, try you, instead of knocking you to your knees and being found “down for the count.”

“But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”

(JOB 23:10 KJV)

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”

(2 Corinthians 4:17 KJV)

For the believer, spiritual absence from the Lord leads to depression as the joy of the Lord is our strength. This absence leaves a huge gaping hole between us and God, and a great leaking of spiritual power and spiritual soundness of mind. God can choose to turn His ear away from hearing prayers of His children who are disOBedient and living spiritually apart from His commandments and precepts of life. We choose to turn away from God and walk away; He never chooses to move away from us.

For those individuals who are not saved and are living in spiritual darkness according to their sin nature; He views their life through His “holy lenses,” as well as those persons who are saved. He hears their cries and prayers, and patiently waits, for a time, for whosoever is spiritually lost to call out to Him in faith.

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

(Romans 10:13 KJV)

However, God also says He can and will turn people over to their sinful nature and reprOBate mind if they persist in their sinful lifestyle and continually, reject by their choice, the holiness and truths of God. God can and will turn people over the Gadarenes. He will allow them to live in this world with a spiritually unfit mind.

"And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprOBate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;"

(Romans 1:28 KJV)

Noah is a prime example. God spoke to Noah and he heard and took heed to God’s divine instructions. Noah was faithful OBedient to God, building the ark according to God’s “holy blueprints.” Those living in sin scoffed and ridiculed Noah’s OBedience to building the ark and his belief in a holy God.

Often people living in spiritual darkness today live according to their sin nature choose to scoff and ridicule today as well. Noah was OBedient, and as the rain began to fall and erupt forth from the earth, he was invited to come inside the ark for divine protection and comfort as the rains and flood came.

God invites all persons to come through the door of His ark and take refuge as well today. Those who refuse today find themselves afloat in the torrential rain and flood of the world and the door to His “spiritual ark” closed. Just like in the days of Noah and just like the spiritual darkness of the man living in the Gadarene’s.

There are many who are operating in wicked darkness and outside the parameter of a spiritual relationship with God today.

God has turned some individuals over to living with a reprOBate mind and spiritual darkness. They are fumbling, bumbling, and crawling along the wide path which leads to eternal spiritual destruction and living with spiritual and mental unsoundness being tossed to and fro by the waves of life.

For Further Contemplation:

God promises spiritual soundness of the mind and heart within the parameters and precepts He set forth for us to follow in OBedience to Him in a spiritual relationship with Him now and for eternity.

All of us have a sentence of death and a promise of a spiritual presence; now and forever in eternity.

A spiritual presence alive in Christ and in Heaven for eternity, or amid spiritual chaos and utter destruction while living in spiritual separation from God in this world and in Hell for eternity.