How can I handle discouragement?

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.