Over the past several months, pop sensation Justin Bieber has been more transparent than ever about his personal mental health battles as well as his reliance on God to guide him through the struggle.
In February, it was reported that Bieber was receiving treatment for his depression, and in March, he announced he was taking a break from music to focus his attention on “repairing some deep rooted issues” as well as strengthening his marriage with model Hailey Baldwin.
In a March Instagram post, Bieber gave fans some raw insight into his condition, while also petitioning them for prayer.
“Just wanted to keep you guys updated a little bit hopefully what I’m going through will resonate with you guys,” he wrote. “Been struggling a lot. Just feeling super disconnected and weird.. I always bounce back so I’m not worried just wanted to reach out and ask for you guys to pray for me.”
The singer closed in declaring God’s great faithfulness, the power of prayer, and the frailty of his “human” condition:
“God is faithful and ur prayers really work thanks .. the most human season I’ve ever been in facing my stuff head on.”
Just this past Thursday, Bieber again took to Instagram to share his reflections on releasing fear and anxiety, and find hope and identity in Christ alone.
The “Sorry” singer also quoted some powerful scripture excepts from 2 Timothy 1:7, Matthew 11:28, and John 3:16 to his 111 million followers:
“Don’t stop fighting the battle has already won.. fight for what you love and who you love don’t let fear and anxiety win..god has not given us a spirit of fear but of power love and of a sound mind! I havent believed the truth about myself I haven’t believed I am loved I haven’t believed I am forgiven it’s a hard thing for me to wrap my head around.
I hang my head in shame and I wallow in sadness about the people who have betrayed me. Jesus has given me freedom and the pursuit of getting to know his character is never ending. Gods character never changes he is the same yesterday now and forever. He is always good!. I won’t be afraid to be vulnerable before him.. his power is made strong in our weakness.
God isn’t afraid of your pain and your brokenness he actually welcomes it. Come to me all who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest! these are words from Jesus! There is hope and it’s in him.!! He loves and cares for you! For god so loved the world that he gave his only son so that whoever believes him wont die but have eternal life! You are that whoever and he accepts you as you are!! He loves and forgives you and welcomes you into his arms every time you mess He is a perfect and loving god who adores you!”
Prior to coming to know Christ as Savior, Bieber consistently made headlines for drug abuse, breaking the law, and disturbing public displays of indecency.
In striking contrast to the “bad boy” persona we once knew, the artist is now using his platform to shed light on his humanness, God’s healing power, and the refuge that can be found in Christ alone.
Read more from Justin Bieber’s powerful salvation story below: