By Pam Farrel
Just as photography captures cherished moments, a snapshot of Scripture can restore serenity and lift our spirits.
Look to the Cross:
”And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:1–3 NIV).
When you feel like you cannot take one more step, look to a Savior who went the distance for you. Retrace Christ’s last days and gain strength for your next steps. Like Jesus, look to the victory and by faith, write the results you are praying for.
Look at what you have, not what you don’t:
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay … We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:7–10).
This could read, “You are in a vice grip of pressure, but it won’t flatten you. You have doubts but you are not in utter despair, because God will give an alternative route. You are hunted down and harassed but God is always with you. You have been thrown to the ground but not killed.”
List what is going RIGHT!
Look for ways to help others:
“Praise be to the God … Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (2 Corinthians 1:3–4).
List ways God has comforted you. Pass it on.
Look away from pain:
“Jesus replied, ‘No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service’” (Luke 9:62).
Christ discerned people were struggling with doubt about following Him. For their own good, they each needed to step nearer to the Lord to be distracted from their pain.
When I am in turmoil, I play praise music as I plan ministry.
Look for ways to smile:
“A joyful heart is good medicine” (Proverbs 17:22 ESV).
On those depressing days, plan to do things that have always brought joy to you in the past: a walk, time with family/friends, listening or watching media with a positive message, exercise—or a little chocolate!
Take action to release happy endorphins.
Look for ways to praise:
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (Psalm 42:5).
When downcast (depressed, discouraged, despairing) and when disturbed (having nagging thoughts) the solution is to praise God. Put on inspiring music and read the Psalms; select one that gives hope.
Look to replenish:
“So Elijah did as the LORD told him and camped beside Kerith Brook … The ravens brought him bread and meat each morning and evening, and he drank from the brook” (1 Kings 17:5–6 NLT)
God sent His weary prophet away from the battle and his enemies.
Plan a holistic retreat to replenish you: mind, body and soul.
Look for purpose:
When Jesus went to Gethsemane, He said, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” (See Matthew 26:36–39.)
Take an extended time away with God to sort out your emotions, find answers to your questions, or gain comfort.
Look for supportive friends:
“And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men” (Mark 2: 3–5 ESV).
When Jesus saw the faith of the friends, He healed the man. What friends do you consider your stretcher-bearer’s?
Ask your friends to pray with and for you.
Adapted from Discovering Jesus in the Old Testament: A Creative Bible Study Experience by Pam Farrel, Jean E Jones, Karla Dornacher (Harvest House) Pam Farrel is an international speaker, author of over 60 books, and Co-Directs Love-Wise Ministry with her husband, Bill Farrel.
