Counseling Insights

Portraits

.: Rachel was very active in the church, along with her family. Although she was not always reliable, she was eager to help. She attended church regularly—even the evening services. One Sunday evening Rachel came in late and loudly. She was obviously drunk. Her children were in tow, but very embarrassed.

At times, everybody feels sad, down, and blue. Solomon wrote of “a time to weep” and “a time to mourn” (Eccl. 3:4). The writer of Hebrews assured believers they would have times of need in their lives (Heb. 4:16).

Some have described suicide as a permanent solution to a temporary problem. From a Christian perspective, how¬ever, suicide is not permanent and solves nothing. Each individual is created in the image of God and is, therefore, an immortal being with responsibilities and accountability beyond the grave.

The new century presents many challenges. In a time of impatience and selfishness, a person’s wants and desires often can gain instant gratification. Science and culture provide helpful advances and opportunities. However, some people get trapped in a downward spiral of addiction to substances and behaviors used to gratify impatient desires.