The Bible says, “And it was necessary for Jesus to be like us, his brothers, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God, a Priest who would be both merciful to us and faithful to God … For since He himself has now been through suffering … He knows what it is like when we suffer … and He is wonderfully able to help us” (Hebrews 2:17-18 TLB). Whatever we endure, His care is certain, His love is unfailing, and His promises are secure. Oftentimes, members never needed the meeting, although some did, and he was always eager to meet at that point. When I asked him why he did this, his simple answer was: “Always send your people to God first.” Ed Welch, Counselor and Faculty Member, Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation; Author, When People Are Big and God Is Small Some years ago, I asked an older pastor what he did when a member approached him for counseling. He responded that once he determined the nature of the problem, he asked the person whether they had sought the Lord about it, and if they had, what that seeking involved. He asked them what Scriptures they had considered and what prayers they had prayed. If they hadn’t sought the Lord, he would compile a list of Scriptures for them to read and pray over and agreed to meet with them once they had completed the assignment. The writer of Psalm 121 says this of God in verse 8, ” He keeps His eye upon you as you come and go and always guards you” (TLB). How does it feel to know that God keeps watch over you and is attentive to every detail of your life?

Write down everything that seems impossible about your situation. Next to each item write, “Nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37). Spend a few minutes in prayer about the items on your list, and be sure to thank God that none of those things are too big or too hard for Him to handle.Whether you consider yourself to be strong in faith or are floundering in your doubts, please read this book and gaze at the face of Christ as he is revealed in God’s Word. Elyse’s counsel is clear and compassionate, because God’s Word is clear and compassionate.” Isn’t it good to know that you have a direct line to God? That He is available to talk to you anytime, day or night? In fact, you can talk to Him right now. Tell Him how you’re feeling; that you’re hurting. Tell Him about your disappointment. Talk to Him about your anger and your pain. Tell Him how you love Him and need Him so. He hears your weeping, your requests, your praise, and thanksgiving. Prayer moves God. And when He moves in your life, you will feel His presence, experience His peace, and draw from His strength in ways you never thought possible! (2)

In addition to needing God’s presence in our lives, we also need each other. Talk with your family or friends about the way you are feeling, so that you can share one another’s burdens, and not feel so alone in your suffering. God has given Dave a tremendous gift for writing succinctly and yet powerfully, and here he keeps the gospel and God’s grace at the center of one of the greatest epidemics in our land: addiction. . . . Dave’s book is biblical, practical, hopeful, and focused on our Savior. I highly recommend it.” Liz has written a great resource that takes our spiritual life seriously and thoughtfully. . . . Liz is a caring and gifted communicator, and I will recommend this outstanding resource over and over again. ” In Psalm 138:8, the writer, offering thanksgiving and praise to God, said confidently, “The Lord will work out His plans for my life—for Your loving-kindness, Lord, continues forever.” (TLB). Why not take a few moments to express to God your confidence in Him to work out His plans for your life? In the 31-Day Devotionals for Life series, biblical counselors and Bible teachers guide you through Scripture passages that speak to specific situations or struggles, helping you to apply God’s Word to your life in practical ways day after day. Endorsements

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No matter how bad things may seem, God is in control. Nothing happens without His knowledge. Matthew 10:29-31 says, “Not one sparrow (What do they cost? Two for a penny?) can fall without your Father knowing it. … So don’t worry! You are more valuable to Him than many sparrows.” If God’s eye is on the sparrow, He’s most certainly watching you. In the midst of sadness and uncertainty, His hand is there to guide you; His strength is there to support you. You are never out of His reach. Approximately one out of one people struggle with anger. Biblical counselor Robert Jones guides you through Scripture’s teaching—showing how to calm your heart, reconcile with others, and grow in grace.

Plainspoken, searching, practical, humble, and hopeful—this could be just what you’ve been looking for in your struggle for something better than fantasy.” Pray with someone else who shares your sorrow. Take turns praying for one another that God will encourage your hearts and give you hope.

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Are you caught in the “voluntary slavery” of pornography addiction? While books and monitoring software may have failed you, Deepak offers a more effective weapon: a greater love for Christ. The world pressures us to fulfill our desires—but God tells us to master them through contentment. This practical daily devotional helps us cultivate thankfulness in situations that fuel discontent. Contentment is a cultivated fruit, learned through study and practice. These daily readings refocus our attention off of ourselves . . . and onto the goodness and faithfulness of our God. It’s a needed and helpful book, and I highly recommend it.” Facing tragedy, or life storms of any kind, can be extremely difficult. But in the midst of heartache and pain, you can find the hope and courage to go on. With God’s help, the help of caring family members and friends, and the encouragement found in the Bible and other resources, you will receive the necessary strength to overcome.

This devotional gets right to the point. It [opens] Scripture passages that you might already know . . . so that you see more and are drawn right in.” If this 7-day sample devotional has been an encouragement to you, you can get the full, 31-day version here.In a desperate fight for survival, many people passed through the floodwaters left by Hurricane Katrina in a frantic search for higher ground. It had to be a frightening experience to wade, and in some areas, swim, through the murky, contaminated waters to save self, family members, neighbors, family pets, and in some cases, total strangers. But in the midst of fear, desperation, and uncertainty, many passed through the deep waters courageously, and were eventually rescued and taken to safety. Look again at Isaiah 54:10 (above). How does this Scripture apply to you and help to make your current circumstances bearable? What emotions do you feel in your heart? Heartache and pain are undoubtedly among them. You’re probably hurting so badly that all you really want to do is cry. And that’s okay! Even the Lord Jesus Christ wept when faced with the tragedy and sorrow of death (see John 11:35). He was so deeply moved within because of the sorrow resulting from Lazarus’ death that He began to weep.