The Worry Emotion - (Counseling Chapter 8)

Unlike anger and fear which have two sides of being constructive and destructive emotions, worry is actually sin, whichever way one looks at it.  Despite being a 'natural' emotion, it shows lack of trust in the Lord.

Either you worry or you trust.  Either you make worry your god, or God your God.  Having said that, remember worry is an emotion.  It can prompt us to take constructive action towards a solution.  The caution is to not let worry push us awash into being what overwhelms and takes control of our minds and hearts.

This is where a trusted friend could be of help, counseling towards overcoming worry that could actually morph into paralyzing fear.  As a believer in Jesus Christ we also have access to Him and can seek His help.

Once again, Harold J. Sala has taught me good process in his book Counseling Friends in Need.  He notes it's good to ask your friend if there's a solution.  For example, if your friend in need is so worried he or she may have a terminal illness, then ask him/her if they have sought a doctor's opinion and if they need medical treatment.  It could be that you are able to give them the courage to take those necessary steps.

So, is there a solution?  Has action been taken?  Encourage your friend towards these worry reducers.  Be his or her emotional support, guiding them along the way; standing by and with him or her.

More importantly, is your friend legitimately willing to take these steps?  Where there's a will, there's a way.  Secondly, when there's this willingness, there can be definite commitment to prayer.  The commitment to trust the Lord with your concern.

Worry and trust are opposites.  Worry is a sin.  Trust is not.  Worry does not depend on the Lord.  Trust does.  It's as simple as that but we often make it complicated.

Philippians 4:6 says,

" ... do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God"

See that?  " ... everything by prayer," shows ones' dependence and trust in the Lord.  It's crucial to call upon the Lord and to inquire of Him.

There was a Sunday School song we used to sing about "worry".  The lyrics are: 

 

"Why worry, when you can pray?

Trust Jesus, He'll lead the way.

Don't be like Doubting Thomas 

Put your faith and trust in Jesus

Why worry, worry, worry

When you can pray?"

There's another slightly different version that I'm actually thinking of.  The second line says, 

"Trust Jesus, He'll be your stay."

The fourth line reads, 

"Rest fully on His promise."

(The rest of this version is the same as the first.)

Either way, we are stirred up to pray instead of worrying.  Memorizing the Philippians verse and singing this short song can help remind a worrier to give their concerns to the Lord, then find rest and peace of mind and heart, as we trust in Him, our ever faithful Master and Lord.  He is holding you.

In Him we can have the victory of an overcomer.

                                          ~ ERC  March 2025 ~

Based on Philippians 4:6 and Counseling Friends in Need by Harold J. Sala, Chapter 8 - Using the Bible to Counsel Emotional Problems, pages 166-167.

Sing, Why Worry When You Can Pray, along with Al Smith and Helen McAlerney Barth.

The Fear Emotion (Counseling Chap 8)

 Fear is another of those major emotions that seeks to eat away at our peace of mind and our trust in Jesus.  Like anger, there can be good and bad fear.  When irrational fear threatens to chain us up, know that here too, we can be more than conquerors to overcome victoriously.  There is hope!

Healthy fear leads us to safety, like locking your doors at night.  It keeps us from harm.  Walking in the fear of God is the safe fear to have.  It will keep us close to Him and build trust in Him.  This is like a young child sticking close to its mother in a thunder storm.

Harold J. Sala reminds us in his book Counseling Friends in Need, that

 "... safety is not 'the absence of fear" but "the promise of the Lord's protection.  [We] can live above fear.  Fear will no longer destroy [our] peace of mind."

This leads us to mention destructive fear.  It can start out as a real legitimate fear such as a spouses' passing leaving the other one alone to cope with raising children in a foreign land.  Or, of having had a car accident so you are paralysed at home, never daring to go out.  The more you think of these things, the more it robs a person's peace of mind.

Paul told Timothy,

" ... for God gave us a Spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control" (2 Timothy 1:7).

The follower of Jesus Christ has a greater Helper, He's called the Holy Spirit.  One of the characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit is 'peace'.  We have the power  in Christ through the Holy Spirit's indwelling, to develop greater peace, to relinquish our unhealthy fears, and begin to trust Christ.  In turn, we can have victory over these fears.

After discovering the source of our fears we can make small steps, a bit at a time, and with the help of a trusted friend who's dedicated to walking with you over the major fear bump in the road.  Seek help.

Each time we feel another surge of fear we can also be reminded that the Lord Himself walks with us.  Read, write out, memorize and quote Psalm 23:4, regularly.

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; ... they comfort me." (ESV).

You can emphasize, "I will fear no evil".  Why?  Because the Lord promises to be with you.  A friend can't always be with  you 24/7 but the Lord can.

Abba Father, thank You for always being with me even in those 'shadow of death' times of controlling fear.  I want to be able to boldly declare, "I will fear no evil".  And  "I trust in You."  I seek Your help and hand.  Help me, Lord!  Help me towards victory in Christ to overcome  my fear of _________.  In Jesus' name I beseech You.  Amen.

                                                     ~ ERC  March 2025 ~

Based on 2 Timothy 1:7 and Psalm 23:4 ESV.  Also Counseling Friends In Need by Harold J. Sala.  Chapter 8 - Using the Bible to Counsel Emotional Problems pages 163-166.

Sing, Overcomer along with Mandisa.

Note:  Mandisa, the singer/songwriter for Overcomer knows first hand about this sort of thing.  Find her autobiography and read how she overcame.

Here's a link  to a review about Mandisa's book, Out of the Dark.

Lord's Day Devotion - Focus On Him

 Celebrating certain events with feasts and festivals like the Israelites did must of helped them remember what God had done for them in the past.  It would also give them opportunity to teach the next generation of what He had done for them, ensuring their heritage carried on and would not be forgotten.

There were three main annual festivals and feasts they were instructed to celebrate.  They were the Passover, Feast of Unleavened Bread and the Feast of Weeks (Penecost).  The first reminded them of the night of their escape from Egypt when the angel of the Lord 'passed over' their homes, preserving their firstborn sons from death.  That is, the homes that had sprinkled the blood of the passover lamb on the side posts and lintels of their doors.

The Feast of Unleavened Bread commemorated their actual escape - moving out.  They did not put yeast in their bread as there was no time for that.  God had so instructed so they could be up and out of there in a flash and still have ready food to eat.  The Passover and this Feast of Unleavened Bread were celebrated for a whole week.

The Feast of Booths, better known as Pentecost, was where they had to make booths, which kind of reminds me of a tent.  These were to remind the Israelites of their wilderness wanderings.  And   all the reasons why they had had to wander in the wilderness for all those forty years.  It was how they had had to live, that is, in tents and what that entailed.  It was like 'camping' and maybe fun for the kids to do this.  However, it had a message of warning and caution imbedded to not hold God and His promises and gifts in contempt.

Also, to recall all He had done for them!  Think back, "your shoes never wore out," "you were fed manna from the sky" and so much more!  God's provision for them had been massive!

These memorials would remind and reset their memory of how God had overwhelmingly rescued them from Egypt.  They could freely celebrate with joy and rejoicing.  What's more, all were called to celebrate together.

Then no regular work was to be done (see Leviticus 23:708).  Therefore, no one had the excuse they could not attend the event.  So besides reminding them of all God had done for them in the past, it would bring people together with one focus thus promoting unity.  The former dependance on God would instill a belief that He would be there for them even in the present!

We are no different now in these New Testament times.  It's significant that Jesus shared a 'new' type of feast for the disciples in the Upper Room while they were celebrating the passover on the night of His betrayal.

God did not passover His firstborn son, did He!?  No, thus Jesus who knew all things, instructed His disciples to remember Him in the breaking of bread and drinking of the cup of wine in remembrance of Him.

The disciples were likely somewhat 'blur - blur,' as they say in Singapore, as to the actual significance.  However, they eventually did 'get it'.

We, brothers and sisters-in-Christ, can 'get it' now.  It is solemn to remember what Jesus actually went through on the cross for us, bearing our sin, shame and punishment.  Yet, we can joyfully celebrate Jesus' death because of His resurrection and His living for us now in Heaven.  We serve a risen and living Savior.

In the breaking of bread, or Holy Communion, as some like to call it, we acknowledge the significant happy event that enabled our souls to be saved.  God rescued the Israelites from Egypt and Jesus rescued our souls from Hell if only we accept His salvation.

Coming together as Christians on a regular weekly Lord's Day morning (or afternoon or evening) to remember Jesus in the breaking of bread, we too can focus on His great provision of salvation, acknowledging Him as Lord as well as Savior and help to keep the unity of the Holy Spirit in the bond of peace.  

May all followers of Jesus come together.  No excuses.  

Focus on Him!

                                                ~ ERC  March 2025 ~

Based on Luke 22:15-20 ESV.

Sing, Lord Jesus We Remember the Travail of Thy Soul, from STEM Publishing.  Aurelia tune.

Book Review - The Keeper (Book 4 Murphy Shepherd series) - By Charles Martin - Publication Date: 2 April 2025

 I cannot give this book, The Keeper, enough praise.  My attention was kept drawn to this thriller thoughout its many pages.  Oh, except for some of the guns and weaponry descriptions and usage that sort of went over my head.  Those readers who are in the know about such things will likely enjoy these offerings.  However, I did learn something especially for when a target is a long distance away.  

What really impacted me as I read through the story was the allegory of love; that is, God's unconditional love.  I very much appreciated that.  The author, Charles Martin, helped me grasp some of the depth, sacrifice and risks that this type of love will make and take.

Yes, there is some sweet romance woven into the story as well as tears and laughter, mystery and action.  

Another aspect I liked about this story is that Martin addresses human trafficking and it's despicableness; it's darkness and organized evil, the abject horror of it and the devastating effects upon its victims.  Thankfully there was the saving grace of rescuers that kindled hope and help towards both the victims' recovered and their subsequent recovery and healing process.

This is the fourth book in the Murphy Shepherd series.  We meet Bones, Murph, Summer, Ellie, Casey, Camp and Eddie among others of the 'good guys'.  We also meet some of the bad guys so stay alert.

The icing on the cake, which we can also 'eat', is that this is a faith-based narrative.  So all-in-all, I give this book and author a 5 - Star rating and a thumbs up salute.

                                           ~ Eunice C.,  Reviewer/Blogger ~

Disclaimer:  I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Read review on Goodreads.  

Good Book - A Biblical Approach to Chinese Traditions and Beliefs (New Edition) by Daniel Tong - Reviewed by ERChin

 It has taken me months and months, since October 2023, I kid you not, to read through this book.  It's NOT because it's boring but rather that there's so much to absorb and understand.  I took breaks and came back to it.  This doesn't necessarily mean this approach to the book would be the same for others.  I really wanted to take the time to digest it.

Whether or not a reader is Chinese, I believe it is good to delve into the culture, traditions and beliefs of the Chinese especially when these practices intersect with other ethnic groups, namely those of us who know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

I feel Daniel Tong has given wonderful insight and counsel and I really like how he sectioned each new aspect.  For instance, he writes about the actual practice, say of the various Chinese Festivals.  He gives the mythological basis and historical significance behind them.  Then he lands the reader onto the Bible.  He'll give comment on the Biblical approach and even a Christian alternative for celebrating said festival.  Or, the martial art practices of Gong Fu and Taiji Guan.  Tong states the principles and beliefs undergirding the practices; the biblical approach and even a Christain alternative that can still promote the better health and balance that are statisically stated as benefits of Taiji Guan.

Having lived among Chinese folks for the better part of my life, I am really pleased and satisfied with what author Tong has had to say.  I found his many explanations have satisfactorily answered many of my western and Christian thinking, wonderings and questioning in a more concrete way.

I beleive that Daniel Tong is sincerely basing his statements on thorough research as he says he does and also, most importantly squarely on God's Word, having allowed the Holy Spirit to speak to Him and teach him.  

I'm very thankful to have been able to read this book and feel that other potential readers would be helped too, in sorting out what is cultural and traditional vs what of those ethnic practices involving religious aspects that a believer in Jesus Christ should relinquish when they choose to follow Jesus and live to please Him, first and foremost.

May God bless all who read this book and take it to heart.

                                                     ~ ERC   April 2025 ~

Read review on Goodreads.

The Anger Emotion (Counseling book Chap 8)

 In his book, Counseling Friends in Need, Harold J. Sala talks about emotions in how they are a natural part of our beings, yet they can get out of control.  He asks though, if God is

 "pleased by our succumbing to our emotions".  

What counts, he continues, is "the victory" over those emotions that threaten to overwhelm us (see 2 Corinthians 2:14).

Anger is one of the most common emotions that can explode and implode our calm.  It can be like a volcano ready and waiting at any second to erupt into its destructive course, obliterating everything and everyone in its path, like Mt. Vesuvius' eruption.

Yet, Ephesians 4:26 exhorts,

"Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger" (ESV).

Somewhere as the pendulum swings, anger crosses the line into sin.  What a person does with the anger has potential for good or for destruction. Best to get it reined in before night fall.

The victory can be ours, in Christ.  We have the Holy Spirit's help.  We have the avenue to confess wrongful anger to the Lord, gaining His forgiveness (see 1 John 1:9).  One of the characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit is self-control.  As we practice this, victory can come.

Naturally,  there are irritants that kindle and cause our anger in the first place.  Our anger can stem from a build up over years and years of irritants, abuse and trauma, so much so that the anger has become ingrained rage.  I don't mean to sound glib and flippant.  There is likely no overnight charm.  However, removing, if possible, some of these sources could help but ultimately we'll need to be mindful of exercising self-control with the Lord's help.  His help will be essetntial.

We can make it a point of prayer, seeking our Lord's help and the help of someone in our lives who can keep us accountable in being an overcomer.  We can be

 "more than conquerors through him who loved us" (see Romans 8:37-39 ESV).  

No scheme of man can knock you down from a determined path of recovery while walking with the Lord.

This reminds me of the poem Footprints where there were two sets of footprints of two people who had been walking side by side.  But then the author looks back and sees where there is then only one set of footprints.  Those had been the worst of times.  She's is heartbroken that Jesus would no longer be walking beside her.  She questions this!  Why doesn't He care!!  Where IS He?  That's when the still soft voice comforts, "That's when I carried you."

His presence IS with us.  Talk with Him.

Our Lord and Savior loves us too much to let us wallow in fomenting anger.  That's why the injunction to not let the sun go down on our anger is so important.  We cannot deny our emotions but we also should not let them control us.

I realize this sounds easier said than done, and we'd likely mess up multiple times, but with Christ, all things are possible. 

"Yet not I but through Christ in me" (see Galatians 2:20 KJV).

Let's trust Jesus and let Him take control  Seek out friends you trust to lend a hand and an empathic ear.

Father God, thank-You for the emotions you have granted us.  Yet we desparately need Your help to keep them in check and to gain victory over the destructiveness they can bring when we willfully allow them full freedom.  May self-control under Your full control develop purposefully in our lives.  Make a way for us each and every day.

We humbly ask in Jesus' name.  Amen.

                                                    ~ ERC  March 2025 ~

Based on Ephesians 4:26 ESV and Counseling Friends in Need by Harold J. Sala - Chapter 8 - Using the Bible to Counsel Emotional Problems, pages 154-162.

Sing, I Trust Jesus, along with Matthew West, and Jenn Johnson.  Concentrate on the sentiments of the lyrics.

Give Him a Call

 "The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth"                     Psalm 145:18 (ESV).

Just reading that verse is a comfort to the soul but it also holds the sincere reader accountable.  We must call on the LORD in truth.  Then we can tell Him all.

I was reading a devotion from the YouVersion Bible Reading Plans entitled Playing in the Dirt, Day 3/10.   The Dayspring author wrote,

"Bare your soul to Him without expecting Him to 'fix it' and see what happens.  You might find that His presence is peaceful, and in it is all the comfort you seek."

The times when we feel no one cares or is listening, remember our Lord is always near.  His ear is always open and ready to hear our call.  Spend time in His presence.  Sing the song In His Presence along with Sandi Patty.  It is so succinct.  Sing and then give Him a call now.  Be in His presence.

Lord Jesus, there are times when I feel there is no one there for me.  But Your are.  In Your presence now, there is comfort.  I don't need to hold back my words or emotions.  You know my true inner feelings already but I still must share them.  I must tell you the truth of the matter.  It is so wonderful to be with You and speaking with You and know you do listen and care.  I can get to know You and Your heart even as You comfort me.  I know that my situation may not be "fixed" right here and now.  However just knowing You are with me is a boon to my soul.  I feel your peace infusing me.  Thank You Lord Jesus for the blest assurance and reassurance I can have in You.

                                                    ~ ERC  March 2025 ~

Based on Psalm 145:18 ESV.

Sing, In His Preseence, along with Sandi Patty.  See link above.