By Nancy Virden (c)2024

In times of deep distress, the Holy Spirit is the only source of healing and strength that changed me and made me whole. You may have heard of him called the Holy Ghost. He is not a ghost, he is by nature Spirit, and a holy one at that. He does not create darkness in one’s soul- he brings light to those who want it. He chases out fear and brings peace to those who walk closely with him regularly.

When Jesus died and was resurrected, he promised a “comforter,” one who would remind us of Jesus’ teachings. Those of us who have allowed our lives to be led by him can attest to his ability to keep those promises.

The other day I was very unsettled and anxious. I picked up the Bible and allowed the Holy Spirit to calm me. It worked, and not in a superficial way. You see, then we claim to have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, we actually have a relationship. He relates to us his wisdom and we relate to him our praises and needs. He is always near.

So if you are anxious or in pain, turn your face to the God of the Bible, repent of your sins, and ask for the Holy Spirit. Read the Bible. (If you are new to it I recommend starting with the book of Mark). The Bible is not printed chronologically, so let the Holy Spirit lead you to what you could read next.

Many blessings to you as you yield to Christ.

-Nancy

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Romans 5:3-11

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.  And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.  Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good.  But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.  And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation.  For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son.  So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speaks only from personal experience and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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