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.
Just when you think you have everything planned perfectly...something happens to change everything. It’s a good reminder that none of us know what the future holds. There’s a bigger plan unfolding...God’s plan.
Pastor Chuck Swindoll inspires us from Hebrews 10:19–25 to faithfully and consistently give words of life to others.
Being genuinely happy for the good fortune of others doesn’t come to us naturally. Often it’s easier to commiserate with friends rather than celebrate with them. But when you rejoice with those who rejoice, you’re modelling Christ.
Complaining never happens solo. When you complain, you not only discourage yourself but those around you. Listen to yourself today. Are you impacting those around you with complaints or with encouragement?
Eternity isn’t something we like to think about, but each of us will certainly enter it one day. The question is...where will we spend it?
Proverbs 18:21 says, “The tongue has the power of life and death.” Words of encouragement can make a life-changing difference to someone in their time of need. Now that’s a sobering thought.
Do you know what the basic needs of your spouse are? When needs aren't met it's easy for a relationship to find itself in a state of disrepair. Here are the five major needs of husbands and wives.
You nurture when you cultivate your children and help them know who they are. It's a bit like cultivating bamboo. You put a lot of work in and don't see many results at first but perseverance pays off!
When self-esteem is missing from our lives we erect defences, wear masks, or become clowns. But when we have self-esteem we are able to love, give of ourselves, and pull the best out of others.
In your family you will discover clues revealing maturity happening in your children. Tell them so. Let them go. Here is Chuck Swindoll's story about his first car and how he learned a lesson in maturity and responsibility.
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Insight for Living is committed to excellence in communicating the truths of Scripture and the Person of Jesus Christ in an accurate, clear, and practical manner so that people will come to an understanding of God’s plan for their lives, as well as their significant role as authentic Christians in a needy, hostile, and desperate world.
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