"Jonathan, life is really hard, I don't know what to do."
If the person is a Christian, I usually reply,
"Are you reading the Bible every day?"
The answer, almost 99% of the time is "no".
That's how I keep the faith. I renew my mind with the object of my faith, which is God, displayed through His Son, Jesus Christ. The only way to do that is through prayer and daily Bible reading.
The English pastor, Robert C. Chapman (1803-1902), penned these true words about the Bible:
"This book contains the mind of God,
the state of man, the way of salvation,
the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers.
Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding,
its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable.
Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe,
and practice it to be holy.
It contains light to direct you,
food to support you,
and comfort to cheer you.
It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass,
the Soldier's sword, and the Christian's character.
Here, paradise is restored, Heaven opened,
and the gates of Hell disclosed.
Christ is its grand object,
our good is its design,
and the glory of God its end.
It should fill the memory, rule the heart,
and guide the feet.
Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully.
It is given you in life,
will be opened in the judgment,
and will be remembered forever.
It involves the highest responsibility,
will reward the greatest labor,
and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents."
