Thoughts on Discouragement

“Restlessness and impatience change nothing except our peace and joy.
Peace does not dwell on outward things, but in the heart prepared to
wait trustfully and quietly on Him who has all things safely in His
hands.” Elisabeth Elliot

Webster’s 1828 dictionary defines discouragement as follows: the act of
disheartening, or depriving of courage; the act of deterring or
dissuading; the act of depressing confidence. That doesn’t sound very pleasant! Christians aren’t immune from becoming discouraged, but the way we handle discouragement should be different than the world’s method.

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.” I Peter 5:8-9

The Bible is full of examples of people who experienced discouragement and how they responded to it. Some turned to God in their time of trouble, and others used their circumstances as an excuse to sin. Satan can only gain the victory when we give in to the flesh and allow his attacks to consume our minds. The right response is to turn to the Lord and cry out to Him.

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and
supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your
hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsover
things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are
just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely,
whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if
there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have
both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do:  and the God
of of peace shall be with you.” Philippians 4:6-9

What do you do when you get discouraged? Do you lose hope? Do you want to give up? God wants us to keep our joy in the midst of trials. God gives us His peace to overcome the insanity of Satan.

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord for ever:  for in the
LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:” Isaiah 26:3-4

I have no idea what you’re facing today. You may be having problems with your health, your family, or your finances. Perhaps someone has let you down or has lied about you. How should you respond when you are discouraged? Give your discouragement over to God!

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” I Peter 5:7

We’ve been promised the victory! Memorize and meditate on Bible verses, spend extra time in prayer, stay away from ungodly influences, and refuse to give place to the Devil. We are on the winning side and are complete in Christ Jesus!

“But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory
by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect,
stablish, strengthen, settle you.” I Peter 5:10