In a difficult life episode, author Shauna Niequist discovered the “healing effects of a barbecue.”3 She got lifted out of discouragement by getting together with close friends and eating great food. For you, it might be the healing effects of a solitary round of golf, a long afternoon spent reading a novel straight through, or a morning spent working in the garden. Don’t despise these practical helps.

Remember the biblical story of Naaman, commander of the army of the king of Aram? He sought out Elisha, hoping to be cured of his leprosy, and felt deeply offended when Elisha told him to dip into the Jordan River seven times. Fortunately, Naaman had a wise servant, who said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’!” (2 Kings 5:13).

You may want a mystical cure for your ailing soul when what you really need is a good barbecue. — Pure Pleasure: Why Do Christians Feel So Bad about Feeling Good? (Gary Thomas)

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