When Christ is Central
When Christ becomes our central focus—our reason for existence—contentment replaces our anxiety as well as our fears and insecurities. This cannot help but impact three of the most prevalent joy stealers in all of life.
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Encouragement
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.
Walking on Waves: Experiencing Joy in Difficult Times
Are you weathering a storm? Is Jesus calling you to come closer to Him through it? Don’t let fear pull you under. Fix your eyes on Him. Feel His presence. Experience the joy of walking on waves with Him.
A Checklist for Lasting Joy
Happiness, though, rarely likes to stick around. I mean a lasting happiness, an unshakable sense of contentment, an abiding bliss. It’s the kind of happiness that stays truly satisfied because of an inner peace deep within, regardless of circumstances
The Reason for my Joy
Need a reason to smile? Pay careful attention to the joys of your everyday life and be transformed by your loving, gracious, wonderful, perfectly outrageous God.
Holding Our Plans with Open Hands
Following Christ means holding our plans loosely and trusting God’s greater purposes. As a new year begins, surrender your goals to Him and walk faithfully in His perfect timing.
Discoveries
Hidden in Scripture are vaults of priceless wisdom that can be hard to find if you're preoccupied or in a hurry. But godly truth is there, awaiting discovery.
Needed Today: A Ministry of Encouragement
Be honest: when was the last time you said something or gave something or wrote something or did something with the single motive of encouraging someone else?
Seven Ways to Cultivate Joy
Want more joy in your day? Cultivate it! Joy springs from viewing the day’s events from eternity’s perspective. With this intentional focus, you’re sure to see today differently—with more joy and conviction that God is at work in your life.
Unquenchable Hope
Pastors today constantly counsel believers struggling with depression, broken marriages, anxiety, anger, and weak self-control. They can’t help but wonder, “Where’s that abundant life Christ promised in John 10:10?”
Go For It
How few are those who see beyond the danger...who say to those on the edge of some venture, “Go for it!” I suppose it's related to one's inner ability to imagine, to envision, to be enraptured by the unseen, all the hazards and hardships notwithstanding.
