In the classic allegory The Pilgrim’s Progress, the main character, Christian, tumbles into the miry bog, the “slough of despond,” and struggles to get free. But the heavy burden on his back pulls him in deeper, and he begins to sink.
This image pictures what it feels like when we’re sinking in difficult circumstances—when our debts outweigh our income, when past hurts won’t heal, when discontentment marks our relationships, and when the light of heaven seems distant and dim. Discouragement, despondency, pain, suffering—these miry pits along life’s journey can pull us down into our own “slough of despond.”
Christian’s rescue came by the hand of a fellow traveller named Help...and the same is true for you today. Use these resources to find encouragement for your own life...or to minister help to those you find along life’s journey.
We’re shaped by what we think about most often. If it’s about ourselves, we’re likely to become egotistical. If it’s about others’ wrongs, we’ll become bitter. Imagine what would happen if we focused our thoughts on Jesus the most.
We all need love and friendship, especially when times are tough. Friends take the sting and loneliness out of life.
In this lesson, we will learn that encouragement is not the responsibility of a gifted few but the responsibility of the entire family of God. That means you.
Overexpecters run in all different categories. Some are fathers and some are husbands. Sometimes they’re coaches or teachers. Frequently they’re preachers.
Few things are more contagious than cheerfulness. A wise leader has a cheerful disposition—what’s your leadership style?
Life is exciting! Life is fun! Life is happy! Like Jim Elliot once said, “Wherever you are, be all there.” You’re on the mission field—get at it! Have a ball! Go for it!
As leaders we are tempted to see the objective in front of us—of all we must get done. Wise leaders remember objectives can’t be the single drive of our lives; we must build into those who will someday be in leadership.
If you knew it was your last week, how would you spend your time? This week, this day, could be your last. How are you investing your time?
The tongue is a messenger, delivering the dictates of the heart. Whether for good or for harm we have the choice to use our tongues to build others up or tear them down.
It’s a waste of energy to fight the inevitables of life. The attitudes you fill your mind with will shape how you respond to life, so choose godly attitudes like joy, humility, encouragement, forgiveness, and love.
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