Articles
Practical Stress Management Techniques
We have all encountered stress that could potentially be the “straw that broke the camel's back.” Stress itself doesn’t have to be negative. Raising a family or beginning a new job can be positive, yet it can be stressful. Our stress response is the key to whether the stressor will make us feel ill or ignite us. Modern stress research confirms what the word of God told us long ago, a merry heart makes for good medicine, and anxiety and bitterness will break us. A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. – Proverbs 17:22 [...]
Key Bible Verses About Not Worrying
Worry, like a rocking chair, will give you something to do, but it won’t get you anywhere. – Erma Bombeck If you are a worrier, you are not alone. Worry is one of the most common human emotions, which is probably why the Bible has so much to say about it. Life in this world is full of uncertainties. Experiencing the impact of unexpected issues such as ill-health, job loss, family difficulties, or a growing pile of bills you can’t pay, can be scary. Fear of the unknown may cause images of worst-case scenarios to race through your mind as you [...]
The Art of Effective Listening in Marriage
In a world where “My or I” is the start of every conversation and “I” is in every sentence the idea of listening to another has become more difficult and effective listening has become nonexistent. Our attention spans are shrinking due to the constant distractions available to us, cellular phone, computer, game systems. We are busier than ever before, multitask more, suffer from information overload, and our smartphones constantly demand our time. The work-from-home era means that for many of us boundaries are blurred between personal life and work life, and though some enjoy the high level of integration, many of [...]
Exercise and Your Mental Health
Whether you exercise regularly for the health benefits or to maintain your weight, there is such a thing as too much exercise. Where do you draw the line to stay healthy, both physically and mentally? How much exercise is too much? Do you see yourself the way others do, or has your viewpoint become distorted? How are exercise and mental health related? The Benefits of Exercise The Bible states that bodily exercise profits the body (1 Timothy 4:8) and has its place in the life of a believer. The benefits of exercise are numerous. The physical scale and non-scale benefits include: [...]
Verses about Anxiety in the Bible
There are numerous verses about anxiety in the Bible, the debilitating state of mind that makes it difficult to function or to even think of anything other than the nagging thoughts whirling around in your head. Not only can it rob you of the gift of today, but it also impacts your relationship with God and the plans for good He has for your life (Jeremiah 29:11). Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard [...]
How the Enneagram Can Help with Depression
The Enneagram is quickly becoming one of the most popular personality tools available. This ancient system has recently been making a huge comeback and for good reason. No other tool gives quite as much information into your personality, thought patterns, habits, and behaviors as this one does. If we know another’s enneagram, we have a lot of insight into their personality. You may not be familiar with the Enneagram, and this post will assume that you have a basic knowledge of the Enneagram and your type. This article will give suggestions for navigating seasons of depression and information on how you [...]
Five Bible Passages for Seasonal Affective Disorder
Do you dread the season of winter? Do you find yourself struggling to get through the short hours of daylight? Does your motivation for work decrease in the months of cold? If so, you may be struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder. Here are five Scripture passages that may be helpful if you’re dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder. For to the snow he says, ‘Fall to earth,’ and to the torrential rains, ‘Pour down.’ He causes everyone to stop working so that all people may know his work. The wild animals go to their lairs, and in their dens, they remain. A [...]
The Importance of Honesty in Relationships
What traits did you look for in a spouse before you got married? Or what are you looking for now? Is honesty an important characteristic to you? If not, it should be since it is one of the most foundational aspects of healthy relationships. Why? Because anything built on a lie isn’t made to last since it doesn’t provide security and comfort. Imagine you bought a house that you were told was sound. Then over the first few years of ownership, you noticed cracks in the foundations begin to develop, and you’re forced to address the issue, lest everything you had cultivated [...]
Overcoming Depression: 8 Bible Verses for Inspiration
We all fall into a state of depression at some point in our lives. It can be of a short-term nature, connected to the need for money or a job. Or something more long-term, like a debilitating illness or injury to which we see no solution and which doctors cannot cure. King Saul had a lot on his mind. As the first ruler of Israel 3,000 years ago, reading between the lines, some have suggested that he was either psychotic or bipolar! He was not the only one struggling with overcoming depression. David was troubled and despairing; Job suffered great loss, [...]