How to feel good about yourself

BARNA RESEARCH GROUP found that:

. Eighty-two percent of regular Bible readers described themselves as "at peace" compared to 58 percent of those who said they never read the Bible.

. Seventy-eight percent of regular Bible readers said they felt "happy" all or most of the time compared to 67 percent of nonreaders.

. Sixty-eight percent of regular Bible readers said they were "full of joy" compared to 44 percent who said they never read the Bible.

Our society is plagued by emotional difficulties such as depression, anger mismanagement, and anxiety disorders. It's astounding how many people are distraught and distressed. Many of these people find help and healing through therapy, support groups, and books. These can be helpful. However, the best cure for whatever ails us emotionally comes straight from God and His book. Long before there were schools of psychology, clinics and treatment centers, and programs of every kind, there was the solid truth of the Bible. The principles and guidelines found therein lead us to wholeness and health. (Mike MacIntosh)

"Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?" ( Matt. 6:25-27; cf. 1 Thess. 4:11-12; Rom. 12:18; Heb. 12:14; Jas. 5:16; Heb. 10:24-25).

--Mike Benson