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 will always find reasons to grumble. But complaining drags us down and can lead to discouragement, depression, and disappointment. A better way is to live in a spirit of co-operation, using our words to encourage and uplift those around us.
It’s in God’s refining fires that the authenticity of our faith is revealed. The purpose of these fiery ordeals is we come forth as purified gold, a likeness of Jesus.
Have you ever received a compliment that lifted your spirits for the rest of the day? In this Video Insight, Chuck Swindoll reminds us of the power of words.
True friends are priceless. They believe in us, affirm us, and hold our hands up when we’re weary and unable to go on. If we have one true friend, we are rich.
Whether it’s at home, work, or church, God calls us to be servant leaders who reflect humility and conviction. By drawing on the power of the Holy Spirit, we can be models of inspiration to others.
When you offer advice be careful what you assume about the person’s situation. And seek to uplift rather than criticize.
Men are especially vulnerable to temptation in times of stress. A wife’s emotional support is critical and these times. Husbands need the wisdom, perspective, and spiritual strength of their spouses.
Our confidence is in Christ, not ourselves. He is the One who calms our fears and gives us the courage we need in times of suffering.
There are many reasons for Christians to pull together—we’re brothers and sisters because we have the same heavenly Father.
Many of us prefer the security of our past over facing the uncertainty of our future. But living in the past only saps our energy and makes it difficult to face the demands of today.
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