Overcome Discouragement
by Laurie Glass
We all have times in our lives when it seems that one thing after another goes wrong. A vehicle or appliance breaks down at a particularly bad time. We experience conflicts in our relationships that leave us feeling hurt, confused, angry or betrayed. Someone close to us faces a serious illness or dies and we feel helpless. We have serious problems at work and wonder how we can ever resolve things or even lose that job and face months of being unemployed and question how we’ll manage financially. There may be serious problems in the church that get us down, cause us to distrust other Christians or even question some things about God.
It’s only natural that we would feel discouraged when things like these happen. From inconveniences and hassles to weighty issues, we’re left feeling stressed and sometimes completely spent.
But regardless, if we can see it or feel it, we need to cling to what is always there and that is hope. As we trust the One who is in control, we know there is hope in any situation. Whether things unfold the way we think they should or the way that seems best for everyone involved, we can trust His wisdom. He can see far beneath what we can see in others and He knows the future, so with Him leading, we can’t go wrong. We, therefore, have hope to overcome discouragement.
When circumstances are overwhelming, you can always rely on the Lord. Remember, you have access to His power. “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…” Eph. 3:20 In His power, you can overcome discouragement. Here are some ways to dig your way out.
• Take your shovel and dig back into the past a bit. Do this with the purpose of remembering the ways God has worked in your heart and your life in the past. Recall the seemingly impossible situations where He intervened and the positive things that resulted.
• Use your shovel to dig into the future. Realize that in the following months, what you’re facing right now will likely be history. Even if the situation is still there, it may change from what it is now and you may be stronger in facing it. The idea here, though, is to realize this is one period of time in your life that will eventually pass.
• Shovel responsibilities into two separate piles. One pile will be things that you can do. With God’s leading, do what you can to help or to remedy the situation. The other pile will be the things that only God can do. Lift your hands off of what is His work to do. There’s no one in the world you can trust like you can trust Him.
• Dig out the things in your life for which you’re grateful and take time to focus on them. Be thankful for the wonderful and positive things in your life, yes. Then you can also be grateful for the other bad things that haven’t happened or that the discouraging things that have happened weren’t any worse.
• Get out your Bible and dig out His promises. They’re all through God’s Word ready for the claiming. Here are a few to get you started, but look on your own, too, and see where God leads you.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:6-7
“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” James 1:5
“Come near to God and he will come near to you.” James 4:8
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” II Cor. 4:8
Be gentle with yourself. Don’t beat yourself up for getting discouraged over your circumstances. Just start from where you are, get out your shovel, and in God’s strength, start digging so you can overcome discouragement.
With Him in control, you’ll come out stronger, no matter how the circumstances unfold. See your situation as a way to draw closer to Him and as an opportunity for Him to show you His power, strength and healing in a way you’re never before experienced. You’ll certainly be glad you did.
What are some ways God has helped you to overcome discouragement?
