If Only I Had Perceived Things This Way Years Ago
Reflections on Then...and Now How has your thinking about life, relationships and ministry changed over the years? If you're like me, you wish that your current viewpoints on things would have crystallized when you were younger, when there was more time left for...
An Up-Close Look at Jesus’ Heart for Sufferers
In our English usage, the word "sympathy" carries negative connotations. Many folks equate sympathy with pity, with feeling sorry for people who suffer, yet without involving ourselves in their lives or trying to assist them in some manner. We view a similar...
Seasons of Sorrow: The Pain of Loss and the Comfort of God
Nick Challies attended Boyce College in Kentucky to begin his training for vocational Christian ministry. On November 3, 2020, while playing a game with his sister, fiancee and other students, he suddenly collapsed and never regained consciousness. His dad,...
When Life Hurts Too Much To Pray, Where Is God?
Have you been so depressed that you knew you needed to pray, yet your mind was too confused and your heart so heavy that you couldn't find the words to say? As if a dark spirit muzzled your capacity to think or to speak? Were you unexpectedly downsized by your...
What’s Causing The Clatter In My Mind?
Serious Questions About Faith and Depression Wham!! To a man standing in his yard one afternoon, it sounded like boxcars of a train banging together when they hook up. On a different day, a couple in bed at 5:00 a.m. were jarred awake when the foundation of their...
What Did Christmas Cost?
How much did you spend for Christmas this year? In 2022, on average, an individual in the United States dished out over $800 for Christmas gifts. If you included costs for extra food, decorations and travel, the cost of a typical person's Christmas exceeded $1,100....
The Most Compelling Word that Jesus Ever Spoke
It’s one of my favorite words in the Bible. In terms of significance, it’s right up there with grace, mercy, faith and cross. What is this word? It tells me what to do when I’m physically or emotionally exhausted. It offers a strategy when depression envelops me....
JOY TO THE WORLD–No Matter How You Feel This Christmas!
When Stress and Depression Take "Merry" Out of Christmas Does stress badger you over the Christmas holidays? Do you need lots more time than you have left to accomplish the expected tasks and fulfill seasonal social obligations? Ever feel like you "need a vacation"...
HOW TO REALLY LOVE YOUR PASTOR
Pastors typically have a strong sense of calling to ministry. Many experience deep satisfaction in seeing lives change and knowing they’re investing in eternal realities. Yet serving as a pastor is more pressure-packed than church members realize. According to a...
VOICES FROM THE DARKNESS
Light-bearing Resources from Those Who Know the Darkness of Depression I’m encouraged by the spate of Christian books, blog posts and podcasts that speak to mental illness from a faith perspective. As recently as a couple of decades ago, you couldn’t find...
Encouragement and Resiliency Offered by God’s Promises
"But you promised!! Most of us have said that to someone who disappointed us: a parent, a child, a spouse, a supervisor or friend. Yes, even people we love, and who have loved us well, sometimes fail to follow-though on a promise they made. How do you feel when...
Prayers of a Needy Person
Does despondency ever sabotage your happiness? Does overwork ever leave you weary and listless? Do you ever yearn to know why God allows you to suffer? Is your view of the future ever tainted by hopelessness? Do you feel discouraged about certain weaknesses that...
