Dealing with Discouragement

Have you been discouraged lately? I have. The world is wired to discourage. The news, world events, natural disasters, personal loss, health issues, etc.

Add to that the negative energy from some, then you don’t have to look far to find something (or someone) to discourage you, or at least try.

Debunking the myth

I’ve often heard preachers say that Christians cannot be discouraged or depressed. That’s not a biblically true statement.

Being a Christian doesn’t mean we stop experiencing all present human realities.

In scripture, we find believers constantly expressing various natural emotions; joy, sorrows, depression, gladness of heart, discouragement, hope, sadness, peace, you name it.

David was greatly distressed — 1 Samuel 30:6. The Psalmist was discouraged — Psalm 42:1-11. Elijah asked God to kill him — 1 Kings 19:1-4. Life was rough for Paul — 2 Corinthians 11:23-29, 12:5-10. Neither did Jesus have an easy pass — Luke 22:41-44.

Dealing with discouragement

God has not left us without antidotes for dealing with discouragement and depression. Here are some:

1. The Comfort of Scriptures: We have the privilege of God’s promises in the Bible. Take Hebrews 13:5 for example; God promised never to leave or forsake us. The biggest need of a dispirited heart is the presence and comfort of the Holy Spirit through scriptures.
2. Safety in Community: Discouragement and depression thrive when you isolate yourself. Don’t stay quiet about your struggles. Speak to someone; friends and family, mentors and, if necessary, professionals. There is safety in community; you’re not alone — Galatians 6:2.
3. The Power of Gratitude: Grateful hearts experience lasting joy. Gratitude reminds us we deserve nothing good, yet we’ve been blessed beyond measure. There’s so much to be thankful for — 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Philippians 4:4.
4. Rid Yourself of Negative Energy: The mind was not created to be burdened with negative energy. Get rid of those who hardly see or speak good of others, who leave you low in confidence and emotionally drained.

The darkness will lift

When life hits you hard, remember God's past faithfulness, His present sovereignty and future grace. Click To Tweet

You’ve been here before and God came through. Invite Him into your situation. Praise Him through your situation.

Don’t bow to the pressure to abandon hope or give up. The Psalmist, despite his deepest darkness, found strength to trust that God will come through for him.

…Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God.

Keep embracing God’s precious promises in scriptures. Check in with your community. Be grateful. Rid your mental and physical space of those with negative energy.

Be rest assured the darkness will lift and your praise will rise again.

Photo by Jude Beck on Unsplash.