Comments on: Don’t Let Discouragement Bully You

By: StephenAltrogge

StephenAltrogge — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 14:18:04 +0000

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!

By: wondergirley

wondergirley — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 01:32:07 +0000

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.

By: StephenAltrogge

StephenAltrogge — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 01:23:10 +0000

I'm so glad this was helpful for you Kay. I'm so sorry you lost your job!

By: StephenAltrogge

StephenAltrogge — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 21:24:13 +0000

It seems like battling our feelings with the truth is the constant battle, isn't it?

By: StephenAltrogge

StephenAltrogge — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 21:23:47 +0000

Wow, that's really encouraging! And I like your description of discouragement giving you a wedgie! Hilarious!

By: TammyK

TammyK — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:41:03 +0000

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)

By: Emily

Emily — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:32:40 +0000

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.

By: David Wilson

David Wilson — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:09:59 +0000

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?

By: Kay

Kay — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:29:40 +0000

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".

By: Kay

Kay — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:26:06 +0000

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.