Finding Strength and Support in Scripture

God created you and I as complex, multifaceted individuals. We’re tempted to act as though our physical and spiritual natures are separate and autonomous. But in reality, God created us as whole beings, body and spirit united as one whole. Our mental, physical, and emotional struggles affect our spirit, which in turn can impact our faith.

And though we hope that we or our loved ones will never be diagnosed with a physical or mental health issue or chronic illness, the fact is most of us will eventually face such realities—and some of us do at this very moment. If that’s the case, I’d like to invite you to dig deeply into this Bible study podcast series from Groundwork, “Finding Strength and Support in Scripture.”

In this series, we seek comfort and guidance from Scripture to help us cope with painful and debilitating conditions like dementia, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, or terminal illness, whether faced by ourselves or someone we love. Hosts Scott Hoezee and Dave Bast are joined by experts Suzanne McDonald, Chuck DeGroat, and Chelsey Harmon to help us destigmatize and demystify these conditions, and uncover comfort and encouragement in God’s Word.

We will discuss questions like:

• How do we find strength in our faith when confronted with a difficult diagnosis? 

• How can we encourage and support people dealing with these conditions? 

• What might we be tempted to say that could actually make matters worse?

• How can we serve those in need in ways that will genuinely be useful to them? 

Scripture makes it clear that we will encounter pain and suffering in this world. We live in the “already and the not yet,” the time between Easter and the full revelation of God’s kingdom. But Scripture also makes clear that our God draws near to us in the trials of our lives and that in God’s Word we can find encouragement and solace in our struggle.

“Finding Strength and Support in Scripture” is a four-part audio series; this accompanying ebook offers questions and commentary for reflection and discussion. Each episode guide includes prompts to guide a prayerful response. The ebook is yours when you subscribe for free to Groundwork.

Together, let’s lean on the everlasting arms of God and help one another carry the burdens that come to us.