What causes discouragement? - Encouragement - TouchPoints

Psalm 73:2-3But as for me, I almost lost my footing. . . . For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness.

We become discouraged when we stop looking at all God has given us and focus on the success of others.

1 Kings 19:4“I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors.”

Discouragement often comes after a great spiritual experience.

Ezra 4:4Then the local residents tried to discourage and frighten the people of Judah to keep them from their work.

When God’s enemies try to stop us from doing God’s work, it can be discouraging.

2 Corinthians 2:16And who is adequate for such a task as this?

Discouragement comes when you feel you can’t get the job done, when you’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. You often know more than you wish you did about many situations—about the real nature of people and their ‘dark side.’ This knowledge combined with other hardships can wear you 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. . . . 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 you realize that, as long as you are in your present body, you will have to fight against your sinful nature which is working to destroy your relationship with God.