Overcoming Discouragement

When it comes to the topic of overcoming discouragement, I am probably talking more to myself than anyone.  I know we all get discouraged from time to time.  At least, most of us do.  I’m not saying I am the expert on this – far from it.  However, I am no stranger to the emotion.  Discouragement is one of the devil’s favorite tools and he uses it against me whenever he can!

Sometimes it is more difficult to overcome this feeling than it is at other times.  We all know there are various causes becoming discouraged.  Let’s face it; we all have stress in our lives.  We might be under pressure at work; or we may have problems at home.  We may have issues with one of our friends or even with someone from our congregation.   A person may have hurt our feelings or we might be having some problems or financial burdens.
Whatever the cause for discouragement – sometimes we just feel a little down.  It may be difficult to reverse your state of mind.  We might feel that no one understands what we are going through.  We may be in such a state that we see no end to it.  For most of us, though this feeling does NOT last forever.  Usually, we find ways to bounce back. 

I certainly don't mean to be insensitive about this subject.  I know that overcoming discouragement, disappointment or depression is sometimes a process.  It takes some longer to bounce back than it does others.  We are not all wired the same way.  It takes a while for your heart to understand what your mind is trying to tell you.  Anger and grief take more time to work through.  But God does not want us to be bitter.  I don't mean to make the ideas I will be sharing simplistic.  This is something we all face from time to time.  These ideas really can help many of us. 

So how does one overcome discouragement?  Prayer is a wonderful place to start.  Tell the Father how you feel.  Jesus is with God now.  Christ is our mediator.  HE understands how we feel because He has been here on earth and dealt with an earthly life and earthly relationships.  Jesus tells the Father – I understand what she is going through.  I have been there Father and I know what it feels like to be hurt; to be the subject of derision; to be abandoned.  He knows what it feels like to have someone talk ugly about Him.  Christ went through all of this for us and lived a perfect life while doing so.  That puts Him in a unique position to act as our Mediator- to explain to the Father that we need His help.  So when we pray, we have confidence that God is hearing our prayer.  We can know He loves us very much and that “this, too shall pass.”  Yes, talking to our best friend in prayer is the starting point for overcoming discouragement.

Sharing with good friends, good Christian friends, is another way to help us feel better.  Spending time with God’s people who love us and care for us can make us feel so much better!  Leaning on them for support and advice is a great source of comfort.  It truly is a wonderful feeling knowing we have a good Christian friend who will listen when we need to spill our hearts out.  It’s a great feeling to know we have someone in our corner – someone who will walk by our side. 

Our Christian friends can encourage us because they see us for exactly who we are.  Our friends place no judgment on us; they love us, warts and all.  Friends – real friends are understanding and supportive.  They will listen when we need to talk, hug when we need comfort, and give us help or advice when they can.  They will find a way to make us laugh when it’s good for us.  They will also hold us accountable for our misdeeds, tell it like it is and let us know when we need to straighten up.  Yes, having good friends to turn to is another way to overcome discouragement.

A third way to help us overcome our low spirits is to spend time in the Word of God.  It’s true.  It may sound a little corny to talk about reading the Bible (or praying) to help strengthen our spirits, but it really does help.  Try reading a few of the Psalms of praise and see if you don’t start feeling better.  Psalms 103 is one of my favorites.   

           Studying the scripture is a wonderful way to become refreshed and recharged!  The Word strengthens us, comforts us – gives us hope.  Think about the wonderful life of Jesus as described in the gospels – read of His love for all men.  That great love becomes so clear when we see the compassion he had for the people he healed and the multitudes that followed Him.  As we learn about the Acts of the Apostles, we become encouraged knowing the early church grew so quickly.  Our faith is strengthened as we read about the boldness of the apostles and the persecution they endured. 

We are full of hope when we read about the riches of God in Ephesians.  I could go on and on, but the point is made.  Studying God’s word can help you overcome discouragement because we learn that with God all things are possible!

          Doing for others is yet another way of helping us rid ourselves of this worrisome low feeling.  We just naturally feel better when we bless someone else’s life.  It doesn’t have to be anything big.  Just about anything we can do to brighten someone’s day will in turn brighten our own day.  The Bible says it is more blessed to give than to receive.  It also says that we reap what we sow.  That’s the scriptural way of saying “what goes around, comes around.”  Letting someone know we care is a wonderful way to lift our spirits.   When we do for others, we are putting aside our own dark feelings and putting someone else’s needs ahead of our own.   Yes, God will bless us for that.  But seeing a smile go across someone else’s face because of something we have done is a reward all in itself.       

            I’m sure there are ways of overcoming discouragement that have not been mentioned.  We could probably go on with several other ideas.  For tonight though, I will only mention one more.  Thinking of heaven will keep us from focusing on our discouragement.  Just think how beautiful heaven will be!  Our brother John could not properly describe it.  The scriptures tell us it will be wonderful.  There will be no more pain, no tears, no sin.  Jesus will be our light – we will need no other.  The Tree of Life will be there.  Jesus tells us that in His Father’s house are many mansions.  The faithful will have one of those mansions!  God tells us in Revelation, that if we are faithful unto death, we will receive a crown of life. 
        Throughout the New Testament we are encouraged to hope in Him.  We understand that we have cause for hope of life eternal.  Biblical hope is defined as an expectation of a future event.  The future event for Christians is heaven!  Whatever we go through we have to know that if we don’t give up – if we finish our course and fight the good fight of faith – then the Father will take us home forever.  That will be a wonderful day!

I know that discouragement and depression are real.  Sometimes it takes more help to overcome it than the things I have mentioned.  If you are suffering from discouragement or depression that you can’t seem to shake, seek some help from your doctor or counselor.  Don’t let the devil keep you down.  God does not want you to be unhappy.  God’s desire is for us to find joy in this life too.  He loves His children.  He wants to give us that abundant life.  But sometimes we cannot overcome this on our own.  There is no shame in seeking professional help when it is needed. That is another lie of the devil.  Satan will find any way he can to cripple you and keep you from doing God’s work.   God needs you.  He needs more lights in this dark, dark world. 

REMEMBER – God loves you.  He wants a relationship with you.  Talk to Him in prayer.  Find out all about Him in the scripture.  Cherish and nurture your friend-ships. Turn to them for encouragement.  Be a blessing for others.  Heaven will be wonderful!!! 

SHINE BRIGHTLY FOR HIM!!

 

Christ above all things,

Robin