Too often we let ourselves get pushed around by discouragement.
I’ll never overcome this particular sin. My child will never come to faith in Christ. What if God doesn’t provide for me this time? Is my life going anywhere? Does God really have good plans for me?
We let thoughts like these push us around, discourage, and steal our joy. The only way to fight back against the bully is through active faith in God and His promises. Samuel Ward says,
But what good is this faith if it is not used? It is like a soldier, with a sword at his side, not drawing his weapon when he is attacked. If a discouragement overtakes, cannot faith say to your soul, ‘Why are you disturbed? Know and consider in whom you believe.’ (Living Faith)
Are you pulling out the sword of faith and fighting discouragement, or are you letting discouragement have its way?
So here’s the questions of the day:
- Are you actively putting faith in God and his word, or are you letting discouragement push you around?
- What scriptures have encouraged when you have been discouraged?
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified. Do not be discouraged. For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. [Joshua 1:9]
greatly helped me.=)
That is a great verse. Thanks for sharing that Christine!
I find verses tI find verses that speak of God's steadfast love no matter what are particularly encouraging…
As for you, O Lord, you will not restrain your mercy from me; your steadfast love and your faithfulness will ever preserve me! Ps. 40:11
But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. Ps. 86:15
Reminding myself of God's love and faithfulness is a way that I actively put my faith in God, not in what I'm feeling. Objective truth feeding a subjective soul!hat speak of God's steadfast love no matter what are particularly encouraging…
Yep so true. Verses that remind us of God's unchanging steadfast love are so helpful. They remind us that God is steadfast and faithful and always with us!
I will not fear, for You are with me;
I will not be dismayed, for You are my God.
You will strengthen me and help me;
You will uphold me with Your righteous right hand. For You are the Lord my God, who takes hold of my right hand and says to me, "Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:10, 13
In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried out to my God; He heard my voice from His temple, and my cry came before Him, even to His ears. Psalm 18:6
He delivered me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me, for they were too strong for me. He delivered me because He delighted in me. Psalm 18:17,19
Isaiah 41 is awesome. Thanks for sharing that Ben.
isn't it "TOO often"?
good post btw
thank you for your encouragement!
Oh yeah, you're right! TOO often I make simple mistakes.
Wow, did I ever need to hear this today. I am a 61 year old widow and I lost my job yesterday. BUT, the good news is the Lord knew about this before I did and He has a plan. Thank you for sharing this post.
I'm so glad this was helpful for you Kay. I'm so sorry you lost your job!
I forgot to quote Ps.16:8 "I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken".
Discouragement is a bully that has stolen my lunch money and given me a wedgie a number of times of late. A scripture we discussed in caregroup last night sent him packing: 'Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved…" (Col. 3:12).
In Christ, I'm chosen, holy and dearly loved. How encouraging is that?
Wow, that's really encouraging! And I like your description of discouragement giving you a wedgie! Hilarious!
thanks stephen. i needed this reminder today. Its SO easy to get discouraged and I need to constantly remind myself what IS true (not what FEELS true)
Here are some of my favorite verses
Psalm 62
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
Psalm 40
I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.
and Exodus 15 (right after God delivered the Children of Israel from the Egyptians at the Red Sea)
Who among the gods is like you, O LORD? Who is like you— majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders? You stretched out your right hand and the earth swallowed them. In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them to your holy dwelling.
It seems like battling our feelings with the truth is the constant battle, isn't it?
Wow! Everytime I log onto this blog, it’s like God is speaking directly to me. I was just saying earlier today that I am often discouraged, and, all too often, I allow that discouragement to push me around. There are two passages that I try to keep in mind whenever I feel discouraged. They help me remember Who is in control and that He has my best interests in mind. Psalm 118:8 It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. (This last is one of my favorites)
2 Corinthians 2:11
"11so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs."
I know this is strange, but discouragement is from Satan. Feelings of worthlessness are from Satan. This verse helps me to remember that Satan knows EXACTLY what buttons to push, and therefore I must remain alert and mindful that he is constantly attacking me…trying to deceive me. When I choose to give in to those "feelings" instead of remembering the grace and sovereignty of Christ, Satan wins. God gives us a moment. One single moment at a time because that is all we are capable of, and even then we need His grace to get us through the moment. To follow Christ every moment of every day is a constant choice that we must make.
Be reminded of the battle we are all fighting every moment of every day.
It seems like discouragement can come from both Satan or our sinful hearts. And you're right, Satan does know what things make us discouraged, and tries to capitalize on those. Thanks for sharing this!