Discouragement is about as common as it gets. We all know what it’s like to be discouraged.
God told His leaders and people not to fear and not to be discouraged. Repeatedly in the Scripture we read how God told those who follow Him not to be discouraged.
God told Joshua: “Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). Later, God told King Jehoshaphat of Judah similar words: “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:15). He also told them not to be discouraged “for the Lord is with you” (2 Chronicles 20:17).
God knew we would become discouraged and that we needed help to overcome it.
What do we need to do to help with discouragement?
First, get the rest you need. I love the quote attributed to a number of different famous people: “Fatigue makes cowards of us all.”
This is an acknowledgement that lack of rest makes us afraid and discouraged. I don’t need great amounts of sleep, but I have noticed when I do not get proper rest discouragement becomes my companion. A good night’s rest is a great way to handle discouragement.
Second, accomplish something. Sometimes, I don’t have to accomplish much to feel much better. Simply getting something done helps me overcome discouragement. Ask yourself, “what one thing being done would make me feel better?” Your answer will tell you what to undertake.
Third, take your needs to God. Emphasize His presence. Both Joshua and Jehoshaphat needed the presence of God. God encouraged Jehoshaphat with these words: “You do not have to fight this battle. Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. He is with you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Tomorrow, go out to face them, for the Lord is with you” (2 Chronicles 20:17).
When we get rest, get active, and follow God, our discouragement will be much less.
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3 Responses
I needed this! Thanks for being so REAL!
This makes me smile! I was thinking all this morning how great I feel this week and how my attitude towards the future is so positive and definately attributing it to taking better care of myself ! Thanks Waylon
Sadly a lack of rest, too many issues on the daily menu, is fertile ground for the predator who says, “Let me help you.” Couple those words with “Trust me” from a “Christian” and the recipe for disaster is complete when that certified professional gets a hand in your pocket. The work of years disappears into their pocket and the legalized theft cloaked under, “since Bernie Madoff those words have to be in the contract.” After a parting of the ways, when the “professional” was called to be accountable, is highlighted by a call from the principal who states the fund will not likely recover, as “it was a highly leveraged offering paying a premium commission.” It makes seeing the “profiteering agent” most Sundays rather challenging. The damage continues, locked in without recourse. Interesting paradigm, the predator being loved while warning words are considered, “grumbling.”
All that aside, great advice! Especially to the one outside Romans 12:5, as the above description could not coexist within The Body, as Acts 5:4 and Joshua 8:25 report.
Blessings