The strongest of people become discouraged. Even the Bible provides us many examples of this fact. And though we know we can expect discouragement throughout our lives, we can still have the right outlook. Even though the sun goes down, we know that it will rise again (John 16:33).
Bible People Who Were Discouraged
Moses (Exodus 5:22,23). Moses learned a great lesson after a certain time of discouragement in his life.
David (1 Samuel 20). David knew his life was in jeopardy because of Saul. Yet God lifted him up.
Elijah (1 Kings 9). Elijah thought he was the last true man of God left in Israel. His discouragement brought him to the point of crawling under a Juniper bush and asking to die. But God had many plans for him.
Job (Job 2). This man had many reasons to feel discouraged, but in the end he placed his trust in God and was rewarded.
Causes of Discouragement
Illness. Physical illness can be expected in our lives. Can we ever look upon our illnesses and afflictions as a possible testing ground?
Material loss. It may make us bitter or it may make us better. How do we view material loss? We need to remember that...
1) Our possessions don't belong to us anyway.
2) We're someday going to give them up anyway.Insecurity. The future is uncertain, materially speaking. There no way to predict it to our advantage. (Proverbs 6:6)
People who turn against you. (Job 2:9)
Broken hopes and dreams.
Death.
The Cure for Discouragement
Do good things for others. It helps us to turn attention away from self. When we help others dig themselves out of their troubles, we dig a hole where we can bury our own troubles.
See discouragements as bridges to better things.
Talk positively to yourself (Matthew 9:21).
Put away self-pity (Matthew 16:24).
Remember - as a Christian, you are never alone (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5)
Prayer (Philippians 4:6,7)
Discouragement that goes unchecked can be fatal. As Christians we can live above discouragement and we can defeat discouragement. The Christian life was never promised to be an easy one, but we do have avenues to deal with discouragements that come along, provided that we always look to God for encouragement.
John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Exodus 5:22,23
22 And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, LORD, wherefore hast thou so evil entreated this people? why is it that thou hast sent me?
23 For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath done evil to this people; neither hast thou delivered thy people at all.Proverbs 6:6 Go to the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise:
Job 2:9 Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die.
Matthew 9:21 For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole.
Matthew 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Hebrews 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Philippians 4:6,7
6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
