A Joyful, Grace-Filled Goodbye
Philippians—what a masterpiece of correspondence! With joy as its major theme, Paul challenged his friends to live above the drag of difficult circumstances.
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.
Philippians—what a masterpiece of correspondence! With joy as its major theme, Paul challenged his friends to live above the drag of difficult circumstances.
It’s impossible to measure the worth of mutual encouragement. Whether spoken or written, a few encouraging words can make an enormous difference in the outcome of a single event or, in fact, someone’s entire life.
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.
God controls every single world event but His sovereign influence extends into every aspect of your life, as well. Chuck Swindoll offers assurance that the all-powerful God knows and cares about the intimate concerns of your heart.
In the words of Ephesians 4:32, be kind. My sister Luci paraphrases this verse, “Just be nice."
If I’ve described your situation, I have great news. I’m so glad that I memorized it years ago and call it to mind often. Here it is: We are all faced with a series of great opportunities, brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.
In cultures where Christianity is not threatened or perceived as threatening, the word “encouragement” may even lose a bit of its edge—a pity, when the crux of the word rooted in courage.
Join Chuck Swindoll and his daughter Colleen Swindoll Thompson as they transparently share their reframing journeys.
Thomas’ story is one of encouragement—he doubted, but it never overtook him. He allowed Jesus to take him from the place of uncertainty to a place of belief. I’m learning silent doubts rarely find answers.
When the advent season begins, our stressed-out and overworked spirits are refreshed by renewed anticipation of all Christmas means to us. But how do we hold onto that hope and stay on course throughout the year?