How can we support others experiencing "madness, blindness, and confusion" in their lives? The Verse in Focus “The LORD will afflict you with madness, blindness, and confusion of mind.” — Deuteronomy 28:28 Recognizing What We’re Seeing - These afflictions pictured Israel under judgment, but the same trio—disordered thinking, lack of clear sight, and inner turmoil—still shows up in fallen lives today. - We meet friends, family members, or church members who feel trapped in that darkness. Our calling is to come alongside them, not to condemn, but to help them find the way back into the light. Reassuring Them of God’s Nearness - Psalm 34:18: “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit.” - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4: God comforts us “so that we can comfort those in any trouble.” - Remind them that nearness, comfort, and rescue are part of His character, even when discipline was originally in view. Practical Ways to Walk Alongside Spiritual support - Share Scripture that restores perspective (John 8:12; Isaiah 42:7). - Encourage honest confession where sin has opened a door (James 5:16). - Intercede regularly; let them know you actually are praying even if they cannot yet feel the results. Emotional support - Listen without rushing to fix; validate the reality of their pain. - Speak truth seasoned with gentleness, steering conversations back to Christ’s sufficiency. - Watch language: trade labels (“crazy,” “lost cause”) for identity statements grounded in Christ (“beloved,” “redeemed”). Practical help - Offer to drive them to counseling appointments or doctor visits; good stewardship of body and mind honors the Lord. - Provide meals, childcare, or quiet company when confusion makes daily tasks overwhelming. - Connect them with mature believers who have walked a similar path and can testify to God’s faithfulness. Anchoring Hope in Christ’s Redemption - Madness, blindness, and confusion entered through sin, but Jesus took the curse for us (Galatians 3:13). - Where Deuteronomy announced darkness, Christ announces light: “Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness” (John 8:12). - Remind them—and yourself—that restoration is not self-manufactured; it flows from the cross and empty tomb. Relying on the Spirit’s Power - The Spirit gives “power, love, and self-discipline” (cf. 2 Timothy 1:7). - Ask the Spirit to illumine Scripture for them, drive out fear, and rebuild sound thinking. - Expect gradual growth; celebrate small evidences of clearer sight or calmer thought. Encouraging a Culture of Bearing Burdens - Galatians 6:2: “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” - Normalizing honest struggle in your church family opens safe spaces for those still wandering in confusion. - Keep following up; enduring love communicates louder than a single well-timed verse. By grounding every step in Scripture, treating the afflictions seriously, and pointing persistently to Christ, we help afflicted hearts move from darkness toward the clarity and peace God delights to give. |
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