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.
Pastor Chuck Swindoll explains the biblical mandate to ask for and receive medical treatment, the need to pray for restoration, and the healing power of confessing sin. Whether you’re suffering or cheerful, sick or well, follow the direction of James 5:13–16.
Pastor Chuck Swindoll explains how suffering gives you a unique opening to comfort others and keeps you from trusting in your own abilities.
Pastor Chuck Swindoll applies timeless wisdom on this subject from James 1:2–12. Whether you’re going through a trial or strengthening your resolve for the future, this message can help you lay a foundation of trust in our generous God.
We can learn much from one particular portion of Scripture in James 5. Let’s concentrate on verses 13 through 16 as we come to terms with how the Lord would have us deal with suffering and sickness.
Surely the One who made us is capable of healing us—no question—but can we say He is responsible for all these things? How does He heal? What does Scripture teach?
Many of us are currently enduring a crisis. Yes, crisis changes the course of our lives. But what we often forget is that the changes can open doors to a life better than what would have been if the crisis had not happened.
Having a limitation does not necessarily mean a liability. Paul illustrates five attitudes required for transforming limitations into assets and living and leading victoriously.
Before Paul put the final period on his first letter to the Thessalonians he issued a double-edged command: “encourage…and build up one another” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). In a world more sinful than saintly, such a command is necessary because the spirit of discouragement is dangerous.
If everyone practiced the philosophy of an eye for an eye we’d all be blind. You see, grinding resentment isn’t resolved with revenge; it’s resolved with grace.
Walking closely with the Lord means we must come to terms with forgiving others. Yes, must. We can’t avoid or deny the fact that relationships often bring hurt and the need to forgive.
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