Defeating Discouragement
Feeling discouraged or disappointed? Try our online interactive study “Struggling with Contentment“
Please open your bible and read Psalm 42.
Discouragement is far more than a mere inconvenience to be ignored. It is a deadly enemy to be resisted with all the resources available to us. When it is left unchecked, discouragement can have disastrous consequences. It can create an inner gnawing that dominates our outlook so thoroughly that we lose our focus and our mind becomes divided. At that point, we often look for someone to blame – we can become consumed by thoughts of who was disloyal or who let us down. From this soil of deep disappointment will spring weeds of anger at our circumstances, at God, or at other people. If we continue down this road, we will eventually wind up estranged from those around us. We can also become convinced that we are fatally flawed and hopelessly handicapped.
However, there is a way out. We don’t have to surrender to our emotions. We can cry out to God and acknowledge that He is with us, loving us unconditionally. We can remember that our heavenly Father has promised to work even our present situation for something good. (Romans 8:28) We can affirm that He is sovereign and restate our willingness to be under His control and authority.
Are you sinking into the mire of discouragement? Allow God to lift you out and set your feet on the Rock – He Himself wants to be your solid footing. (Psalm 40:2) As you choose to shift your focus away from disappointments and onto your heavenly Father, you will begin to notice a positive change in your outlook on life.
Question: What gives you solstice in times of discouragement?
About this Author: Charles Stanley
