Psalm 27:14

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

This, to me, is the single most practical, helpful part of the Bible. In some ways I could say that I don't know why - I've just found it to be a help. But I do have an idea - for one thing, it's an instruction - it's not (directly) offering comfort, it doesn't really tell me anything I don't already know, but it does remind me of something I already know - that God is real. It gives me something practical to do in the face of insoluble problems, when I'm not only unable to change the situation, I'm sometimes unable to pray or do anything to help myself.

It reminds me to use my faith. 'Wait for the Lord' As in, wait for him to act. Why? Because he's going to do something. I've got what to me is an impossible problem, but God is going to do something about it. I already believe that he can, I believe that he will, but I often need reminding. The instruction focuses my mind on God, on my knowledge of and faith in him - I know he's real, but faced with problems it's easy to forget. Also, I'm not told to do anything except trust, which is blinkin' helpful if you're too depressed to move! (Which has happened - limbs go to lead and the air goes to treacle - not helpful)

I like the 'be strong and take heart' part as well, because it doesn't condemn, but it also doesn't indulge. I have a habit of wallowing in self pity, and this bit doesn't tell me to pull myself together (I wouldn't be able to at times) but it does encourage me to stop worrying and moping and to take a stance wherever I am and have hope - to me 'take heart' and 'have hope' go together.