Cognitive therapies are filled with writing exercises. I'll give you three guesses as to how I know that! I highly recommend writing as a tool to work your way through problems that feel larger than life. 
"And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation."
II Corinthians 1:6-7
Several years ago, I was going through some very difficult and perplexing circumstances. It wasn't just one problem, it was a stream of problems that seemed to be fed from some unseen reservoir of trouble. It felt endless and overwhelming!
I was searching the Bible, looking for some insight, instruction, hope and encouragement. It seemed all hell broke loose and broke through my front door... and had no intention of leaving!
Some of those issues included divorce, loss of jobs due to my health, living in a state of constant tears and exhaustion, emotional overload; and finally; homelessness.
It was during that time that this promise of comfort seemed to leap off the page at me. It was coupled with other verses that told me that these problems were meant to teach me, not destroy me. I had to cling to that promise by faith, because that river of problems continued to swell for a long, long time.
I didn't realize then that "Old School Religion" was tainting my ability to build the peaceful and abundant life I read about in the pages of the Bible.
But, as I said; that was many years ago, and today I DO understand why I had to endure those hard circumstances! I know that many people are suffering the terrors of our present economy, poor health and complex family issues. I fully understand the sense of helplessness that accompanies these types of life issues.
BUT, we are not helpless and hopeless! These are exactly the types of problems that took Jesus to the cross of Calvary. You may not understand that now, but that's where your faith is essential.
I have found comfort in God's word as I worked my way through the maze of problems that had so overwhelmed my life. It's a story of hope and encouragement that led me to an oasis called peace of mind.
I was re-born during my voyage through that deluge of destruction. It's an intense story, filled with tears and raw emotion; but there is an answer of peace that awaits at the end of the tale.
My life seemed to be doomed for failure, but God had other plans in mind for me. This is the beginning of that story...
Psalm 23
This book spoke volumes to me during some of my most trying days. Even the best kept sheep endure some pretty harsh realities! As I read the book, I had several of those moments when a light bulb goes off, and things suddenly begin to make sense!
Phillip Keller is a shepherd so his story is filled with real life details about the care and tending of sheep. His writing style is engaging, enlightening, and offers insight to some of the pain that accompanies everyday dramas that are part of being a well tended sheep.
Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever. Amen.
“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”
