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 healing for your own life...or to minister help to those you find along life’s journey.
How would you communicate the message of James 5:13–16 to people enduring chronic pain or illness? How would you address their deep questions about God’s character? How would you emphasize the importance of prayer and confession in the midst of suffering?
The question of how much Christians should focus on health and fitness isn’t just theoretical. I look around and I see more health and fitness issues than ever.
No one lives happily ever after on this earth, but if we cling to our faith we can be sure there will be a happy ending. Our sorrow may last for a night, but joy will come in the morning.
Like the Japanese art of Kintsugi, in which a potter creates priceless treasures by fusing broken pieces of porcelain together with gold, the Lord fills the cracks in our lives with the glowing gold of second chance.
Despite their "in-control" exterior, men often feel like imposters and are insecure that their inadequacies will be discovered.
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.
The words used for healing in Scripture refer to both physical and spiritual healing. The very idea of healing presupposes an undesirable condition of ill health or brokenness in mind, body, or soul.
We’ve all experienced times when our prayers for healing go unanswered. But no matter what, God is in control. He heals according to His perfect timing and plan.
Never underestimate the power of your prayers. It relieves our anxiety and gives us calm assurance that God is in full control of our circumstances.
Pain is a part of life. And it’s in these “crucibles” our identity is shaped. Hard times are a transformative experience.
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