Discouragement

Discouragement

MY QUESTION for GOD

How do I respond to feelings of discouragement?

A MOMENT with GOD

“I have had enough, Lord,” [Elijah] said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors.”

1 Kings 19:4

Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God! Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember you. . . . Each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing his songs, praying to God who gives me life.

Psalm 42:5-8

As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength.

Psalm 138:3

From the depths of despair, O Lord, I call for your help.

Psalm 130:1

Discouragement settles in when you are facing a problem or task that seems overwhelming, if not impossible; when you’ve really messed up and feel embarrassed or ashamed; when you work your hardest at something and still fail; when important relationships are strained; when you have expectations for greatness, but your limitations won’t let you achieve them. Many people in the Bible faced discouragement. Elijah was deeply discouraged when he was the last prophet in Israel and his life was threatened. When you are discouraged, you feel like giving up—on God, friends, family, career, even hope itself. It feels like everyone’s against you and nobody cares. What was most important to you now seems trivial. Worst of all, you can’t see the way back to joy and happiness. When you reach your lowest point, you must decide whether you will sink deeper into the mire or begin to climb your way up and out of the pit. The opposite of discouragement is encouragement, and it is the antidote you need when you are down. God is your greatest encourager. He never abandons you, and he heals your wounds. He inspires you with his Word; he listens to your prayers and answers them; he revives you with hope. When you feel discouraged, seek God’s help first. Then find encouragement from others who can help you put things in perspective. Face head-on the cause of your discouragement, and plan steps to recover. When you see a way out, your hope will return, and over time so will your joy.

DIVINE PROMISE

Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9