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.
Music is medicinal. It calms, soothes, and lifts our weariness. It also delights and entertains, and helps us to forget our problems. Like the English poet William Congreve said—music has charms to sooth the savage breast, to soften rocks, to bend a knotted oak.
Negativity is all around us, but it is possible to rise above it. The key? Grace. Grace changes our attitudes, and makes an incredible difference in our relationships. Grace will give you a "yes face."
You never really know who is in need of encouragement. Encouragement spurs us on; affirms us. A word of kindness, an arm around the shoulder, a note, a phone call, a random comment said in passing... genuine encouragement never fails to help.
Remember the first time you lived alone? What did you draw on in your mind first thing in the morning? It was probably some instruction or encouragement you remembered from your parents. You learn your first lessons from your family—they see through the fog.
When was the last time you directly gave a word of encouragement to someone else? Form a new habit: think of a way to encourage one person every day. It will change your life.
Men, accept your wife completely; love her unconditionally. A wife thrives in that kind of context. What it leads to, in the long haul, is commitment.
Make a positive difference in someone’s life simply by giving a word of encouragement. Never underestimate the impact of affirming and uplifting words.
The housework will always be there, but the kids won’t. Give them all the attention you can. The sacrifices you’re making right now are worth the effort.
Are you looking for something worthwhile to invest in? When you make sacrifices for others and go the second mile you’re investing in people and eternity.
Men, take time each day to affirm and encourage your wife. Honouring her is a role that only a husband can fill.
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