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.
Becoming an encouragement to others doesn’t require a lot of time, money, possessions, training, or even great intelligence. What you do need is the willingness to place yourself in someone else’s shoes, imagine how they must feel, and then step up.
When you offer advice be careful what you assume about the person’s situation. And seek to uplift rather than criticize.
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.
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.
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.
Whether you’re completing a university degree, harvesting potatoes, or planting a church, anything worth doing takes dedication and a lot of hard work.
We all need love and friendship, especially when times are tough. Friends take the sting and loneliness out of life.
Overexpecters run in all different categories. Some are fathers and some are husbands. Sometimes they’re coaches or teachers. Frequently they’re preachers.
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