Question 1

What causes feelings of discouragement?

Accepted Answer

Psalm 73:2-3As for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone. For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness.Discouragement can come when we stop looking at what God has given us and focus on the prosperity of others.1 Kings 19:3-4“I have had enough, Lord,” [Elijah] said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.”Discouragement often comes after a great spiritual experience. Elijah had just been part of a huge miracle that proved God was greater than the gods of false prophets. Coming down off that spiritual high left him exhausted and vulnerable.Psalm 55:20-22As for my companion, he betrayed his friends; he broke his promises. His words are as smooth as butter, but in his heart is war. His words are as soothing as lotion, but underneath are daggers!Discouragement often comes when the people closest to us turn against us.2 Corinthians 2:16Who is adequate for such a task as this?Discouragement comes when we feel we can’t get the job done, that we’re not up to the task.2 Corinthians 1:8-9We think you ought to know, dear brothers and sisters, about the trouble we went through in the province of Asia. We were crushed and overwhelmed beyond our ability to endure, and we thought we would never live through it. In fact, we expected to die.Discouragement can come simply from the crushing burdens and heartbreaks of life. We often know more than we wish we did about the real nature of people and their “dark side.” This knowledge combined with other hardships can wear us down.Romans 7:15-24I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. . . . And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. . . . I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. . . . I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?Discouragement can come when we realize that, as long as we are in our present bodies, we will have to fight against our sinful nature, which is working to destroy our relationship with God.Exodus 6:12“But Lord!” Moses objected. “My own people won’t listen to me anymore. How can I expect Pharaoh to listen? I’m such a clumsy speaker!”Numbers 11:10-15Moses heard all the families standing in the doorways of their tents whining, and the Lord became extremely angry. Moses was also very aggravated. And Moses said to the Lord, “Why are you treating me, your servant, so harshly? Have mercy on me! What did I do to deserve the burden of all these people? . . . I can’t carry all these people by myself! The load is far too heavy! If this is how you intend to treat me, just go ahead and kill me. Do me a favor and spare me this misery!”Jeremiah 15:10, 15-18Oh, that I had died at birth! I am hated everywhere I go. I am neither a lender who threatens to foreclose nor a borrower who refuses to pay—yet they all curse me. . . . Then I said, “Lord, you know what’s happening to me. Please step in and help me. Punish my persecutors! Please give me time; don’t let me die young. It’s for your sake that I am suffering. When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies. I never joined the people in their merry feasts. I sat alone because your hand was on me. I was filled with indignation at their sins. Why then does my suffering continue? Why is my wound so incurable? Your help seems as uncertain as a seasonal brook, like a spring that has gone dry.”Ezekiel 20:49Then [Ezekiel] said, “O Sovereign Lord, they are saying of me, ‘He only talks in riddles!’”2 Corinthians 7:5-7When we arrived in Macedonia, there was no rest for us. We faced conflict from every direction, with battles on the outside and fear on the inside. But God, who encourages those who are discouraged, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus. His presence was a joy, but so was the news he brought of the encouragement he received from you. When he told us how much you long to see me, and how sorry you are for what happened, and how loyal you are to me, I was filled with joy!Discouragement often comes to us when we have dedicated our lives to serving others. We find it discouraging when people refuse to listen to the truth we share with them. We also get discouraged as we try to deal with the constant demands and problems of others. In our most difficult moments, we can even reach a point where we become almost irrational in our responses to the people we serve. In these moments, we need to quiet ourselves and turn to God for help. If we are doing his work, he is always standing with us. And very often, God is working behind the scenes to work his will through what we do, even though we can’t see it right away.

Question 2

How can I handle discouragement?

Accepted Answer

1 Peter 5:8-9Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. . . . Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.When we are discouraged, we are particularly vulnerable to Satan’s attacks. We should be especially careful to stay close to God and other believers during these difficult times. We should arm ourselves with prayer and Scripture.1 Kings 19:10Elijah replied, . . . “I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.”Discouragement makes us feel sorry for ourselves. Guard against thinking you are the only one who is going through troubles. It is encouraging to realize that others are going through the same things you are.1 Samuel 1:10Hannah was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the Lord.Prayer is the first step to take when discouraged. It moves us into the presence of God, allowing us to be honest with him and share our burdens with him.2 Chronicles 20:15-17“Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.”Like the people of Judah who could only see a vast enemy army and not God standing by to destroy it, it’s easy to focus on our problems and forget God is near and ready to help. Be careful to disconnect your feelings of discouragement from your assurance of God’s love for you. Discouragement can cause us to doubt God’s love, drawing us away from the source of our greatest help. Realize that God will fight on your behalf and help you succeed as you trust in him.

Question 3

How does God help me when I am discouraged?

Accepted Answer

Deuteronomy 31:6, 8, 23“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.”Joshua 1:9“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”Psalm 34:18The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.We can be encouraged by the knowledge that God is always with us.John 15:18“If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first.”Hebrews 4:15This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.We can be encouraged by remembering that Jesus can fully sympathize with our human experience and that he understands our deepest hurts and most overwhelming temptations.Psalm 119:25, 28I lie in the dust; revive me by your word. . . . I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word.Romans 15:4Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.We can be encouraged as we listen to God speak to us through his Word.Isaiah 40:29-31He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.We can be encouraged by waiting on God provision and receiving his power and strength.Psalm 40:2He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along.We can be encouraged when God rescues and restores us.Joshua 23:10“Each one of you will put to flight a thousand of the enemy, for the Lord your God fights for you, just as he has promised.”2 Chronicles 20:15, 17He [Jehaziel, a descendant of Asaph] said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Do not be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s. . . . you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. . . . Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!”1 Corinthians 15:57Thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.We can be encouraged as we experience times when God defends and protects us.2 Thessalonians 2:16-17May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, comfort you and strengthen you in every good thing you do and say.We can be encouraged when we experience God’s hope and comfort.Psalm 138:3As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength.We can be encouraged when God answers our prayers. It is important that we keep track of God’s answers to our requests for help.1 Kings 19:4-8Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.” Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. But as he was sleeping, an angel touched him and told him, “Get up and eat!” He looked around and there beside his head was some bread baked on hot stones and a jar of water! So he ate and drank and . . . and the food gave him enough strength to travel . . .We can be encouraged by remembering what Scripture tells us—that God desires to meet our needs. He knows where we are and will step in to help us.Luke 5:4-5When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Now go out where it is deeper, and let down your nets to catch some fish.” “Master,” Simon replied, “we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.”We can be encouraged by listening to God’s instructions and doing what he tells us to do.1 Chronicles 28:20Then David continued, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. He will see to it that all the work related to the Temple of the Lord is finished correctly.”As we participate in God’s work, we can find courage in knowing that God will accomplish what he has promised to do.2 Corinthians 7:6God, who encourages those who are discouraged, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus.We can be encouraged when God sends others into our lives to build us up.Romans 8:35-39I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.We can be encouraged by the assurance of God’s overwhelming love for us.John 16:33I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”We can be encouraged when God’s peace floods our souls.

Question 4

How should I respond to feelings of discouragement?

Accepted Answer

Deuteronomy 26:6-7“When the Egyptians oppressed and humiliated us by making us their slaves, we cried out to the Lord, the God of our ancestors. He heard our cries and saw our hardship, toil, and oppression.”1 Samuel 1:10Hannah was in deep anguish, crying bitterly as she prayed to the Lord.Psalm 130:1From the depths of despair, O Lord, I call for your help.Isaiah 38:2-3When Hezekiah heard this, he turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, “Remember, O Lord, how I have always been faithful to you and have served you single-mindedly, always doing what pleases you.” Then he broke down and wept bitterly.Reach up to God in prayer, and he will lift you up.Job 1:20-22Job stood up and tore his robe in grief. . . . He said, “I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be naked when I leave. The Lord gave me what I had, and the Lord has taken it away. Praise the name of the Lord!” In all of this, Job did not sin by blaming God.James 4:10Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.Acknowledge God’s sovereignty and how much you need his help.Psalm 42:5-6, 8-11Why 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 . . . But 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. . . . 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!Trust God’s promise to bring good out of the bad. Let him teach you something important even from your discouragement. Never separate yourself from the One who can give you the most help.Psalm 55:22Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.Psalm 142:3When I am overwhelmed, you alone know the way I should turn. Wherever I go, my enemies have set traps for me.Let God carry your burdens when they are too heavy. This doesn’t mean he will take all your problems away or that he will solve your problems for you. That happens in heaven. But for now, God promises to give you wisdom, strength, comfort, and discernment to deal with your problems in a positive and effective manner.Zechariah 8:6, 13This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies says: All this may seem impossible to you now, a small remnant of God’s people. But is it impossible for me? says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. . . . Among the other nations, Judah and Israel became symbols of a cursed nation. But no longer! Now I will rescue you and make you both a symbol and a source of blessing. So don’t be afraid. Be strong, and get on with rebuilding the Temple!God can do the impossible, so let him!Nehemiah 4:10-14Then the people of Judah began to complain, “The workers are getting tired, and there is so much rubble to be moved. We will never be able to build the wall by ourselves.” . . . Then as I looked over the situation, I called together the nobles and the rest of the people and said to them, “Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!”1 Corinthians 15:58So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.Galatians 6:9So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.Be enthusiastic about God’s work, and then you will experience God’s blessing.1 Peter 5:8-9Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.Recognize your vulnerability to Satan’s attacks and commit to standing firm against him. Your passionate commitment to God will give you a reason for courage.1 Kings 19:4, 9-10, 13-14Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. . . . But the Lord said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Elijah replied, . . . “I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.”Feeling sorry for yourself invites discouragement and can cause you to stop trying. Though self-pity is easy to fall into, you must fight against it to prevent further discouragement. Spend time with others so you are not all alone with your feelings.Philippians 1:12-18Everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear.Look for opportunities to turn your discouraging situation into an encouraging testimony.Matthew 24:13“The one who endures to the end will be saved.”2 Corinthians 6:4-10We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind. We have been beaten, been put in prison, faced angry mobs, worked to exhaustion, endured sleepless nights, and gone without food. We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love. . . . We serve God whether people honor us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us. . . .2 Thessalonians 1:4We proudly tell God’s other churches about your endurance and faithfulness in all the persecutions and hardships you are suffering.2 Timothy 2:10-12I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. This is a trustworthy saying: If we die with him, we will also live with him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us.Hebrews 3:14If we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.Hebrews 10:32Think back on those early days when you first learned about Christ. Remember how you remained faithful even though it meant terrible suffering.Hebrews 10:36Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.Hebrews 12:3Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.Hebrews 12:12So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees.Revelation 2:3You have patiently suffered for me without quitting.Never give up, because then you have been defeated. Hold tight to God’s promise of ultimate victory, and he will give you the strength and endurance to get there.

Question 5

How can I help others who are feeling discouraged?

Accepted Answer

1 Samuel 23:16Jonathan went to find David and encouraged him to stay strong in his faith in God.Acts 11:23When he arrived and saw this evidence of God’s blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord.Encourage others to stay close to God and not neglect their relationship with him.2 Chronicles 32:8“He may have a great army, but they are merely men. We have the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles for us!” Hezekiah’s words greatly encouraged the people.Isaiah 35:3Strengthen those who have tired hands, and encourage those who have weak knees.Remind others what God can do for and through them. Encourage them with hope for the future.Titus 1:9He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong.Share God’s instruction and teaching with people who are discouraged; it is good news!Psalm 69:20Their insults have broken my heart, and I am in despair. If only one person would show some pity; if only one would turn and comfort me.Jeremiah 8:21I hurt with the hurt of my people. I mourn and am overcome with grief.Romans 12:15Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep.Hebrews 13:3Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies.Be kind and empathetic toward others who are discouraged. Sometimes our own discouraging experiences make us uniquely qualified to encourage others.Ephesians 4:29Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.Encourage others with kind and comforting words.Job 29:24“When they were discouraged, I smiled at them. My look of approval was precious to them.”Proverbs 15:30A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health.Share a smile of encouragement.

Question 6

How can I resist discouragement?

Accepted Answer

Deuteronomy 1:21“‘Look! He has placed the land in front of you. Go and occupy it as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has promised you. Don’t be afraid! Don’t be discouraged!’”Joshua 1:9“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”Joshua 8:1Then the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid or discouraged. Take all your fighting men and attack Ai, for I have given you the king of Ai, his people, his town, and his land.”2 Chronicles 32:7“Be strong and courageous! Don’t be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria or his mighty army, for there is a power far greater on our side!”John 14:1“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.”Galatians 6:9So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.2 Timothy 4:5You should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.Do not be afraid of what is or what is coming. Trust in God’s presence, power, plan, promise, and perspective.1 Chronicles 22:13“For you will be successful if you carefully obey the decrees and regulations that the Lord gave to Israel through Moses. Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or lose heart!”Luke 18:1One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.Pay attention to God’s Word, pray, and persevere.

Question 7

How can leaders find hope and strength in their discouragement?

Accepted Answer

Numbers 11:16-17Then the Lord said to Moses, “Gather before me seventy men who are recognized as elders and leaders of Israel. Bring them to the Tabernacle to stand there with you. I will come down and talk to you there. I will take some of the Spirit that is upon you, and I will put the Spirit upon them also. They will bear the burden of the people along with you, so you will not have to carry it alone.”The good news is that God does not rebuke us for our discouragement! Instead, he responds to our concerns with practical help, such as providing partners who can shoulder the burdens with us.Joshua 1:9“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”It is encouraging to know that we only go where the Lord has already gone before us. God’s is always with us, whenever and wherever we are.2 Chronicles 20:15-17“Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.”We gain strength when we remember the real battle, and that the greatest Warrior is on our side.Psalm 119:25I lie in the dust; revive me by your word.When we feel overwhelmed by the needs of others, the failures of others, our own inadequacy, or the pressures of circumstances, or for any other reason, God’s Word revives us with truth that inspires faith, hope, and love.2 Corinthians 1:9-11In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us. And you are helping us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety.Discouragement teaches us yet again that we must depend on God rather than our own personality, resources, skills, or connections. We also learn to call for the prayers of others who can intercede for us.Psalm 34:18The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.Galatians 6:9So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.Revelation 21:4“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”God promises to give us all we need to endure and, in the end, promises an end to all problems in the glory of eternal life.