A Problem Shared...

We have probably all heard of the famous saying - "A problem shared is a problem halved". This is what I am going to base this week's blog post on.

The message of this quote is that talking to others about our problems can really help us. Especially talking to close family and friends can be a great comfort.

This aspect is also echoed in Proverbs 27:9 where we read:

"Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel."

Here we see that good advice from a friend is helpful, pleasant and causes gladness. It is like "sweetness" and is likened to "ointment and perfume".

So today, I wanted to share with you my personal experience on this subject, and link it with some lovely Bible verses about family, friendship, and helping each other.

Personally, I'm not very good at talking and this is a fault of mine, which I need to keep working on. I often tend to keep my stresses and worries to myself, which isn't always a helpful or healthy thing to do. Unfortunately, sometimes keeping my feelings to myself has in turn caused my anxiety to flare up, and sometimes in a quite a bad way too.

For me, and I'm sure many other anxiety sufferers feel the same way, finding someone you can trust to talk to, and who is understanding and supportive is really important. From my experience, kind, understanding words are really helpful when you are suffering with anxiety. Anxiety is something which is a very real struggle to those who suffer with it, but it is not always understood by everyone. This is why is it so special and valuable to find and talk to those who do understand your anxiety struggles.

Personally, for me talking to my family helps, as they are helpful and understanding. They listen and talk things through with me to help me to rationalize my anxiety and worry, and they give me good and helpful advice.

We see why it is good to help and encourage each other, and why we all need this in our lives, in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10...

"Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.

For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up."

So today, if you're feeling worried and anxious, try and find someone who is kind and understanding to talk to, who you are close to. It can be hard to talk and let our feelings out - I know that from my own personal experience... However, I also know how helpful it can be to talk to the right person, and how much better it can make you feel.

Having family and friends is such a blessing. Even if you think you are alone, you are not alone... Anxiety can feel like a lonely place, but there are always people you can talk to who understand and can help and support you.

A good friend and close family members will always be there, as we read of in Proverbs 17:17...

"A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."

If you are looking for a great way to encourage your family and friends, my books are perfect. "Casting all your care upon him..." Books 1 and 2 are full of positive encouragement from the Bible to give you a daily boost. My NEW book - The Bible Verse Writing Journal helps us to meditate on Bible verses by writing them down and thinking about the encouragement we can gain from them.

You can view these books on the "Self help Books" and the "Journal" sections on this website. If you have any questions or queries, feel free to contact me using the details on the "Contact" page.