Feeling Discouraged

Joshua 1:9 (KJV) Says, "Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed:  For the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest." Psalms 31:24 (KJV) Says, "Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord." Matthew 11:28 (KJV) Says, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  I Peter 5:7 (KJV) Says, Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you."

As human beings we all find ourselves feeling discouraged at one time or another in our lives. It can be caused by a job loss, a friendship failing, a personal relationship ending that you never wanted to end, a divorce, struggling to pay bills and raise a child or children alone, God taking longer than you have the patience for to answer your prayers, sickness, the loss of a loved one, and these are just a few of the struggles that can result in our landing in a pit of discouragement.

The first thing we need to remember when we find ourselves beginning to feel discouraged is that it is a negative emotion that comes straight from Satan himself. If we allow Satan to win us over with thoughts such as you'll never get another job, you'll never find anyone else who loves you, I'll never be able to raise this child or these children on my on, I'll always struggle financially, God doesn't hear my prayers, I'll never be healed of this sickness, or I'll never be happy again after losing someone who meant so much to me. Don't forget that Satan is the father of lies, and thoughts such as these are great examples of the many he has in his arsenal. The moment you have a thought like this come into your mind, I encourage you to recognize it for exactly what it is; a lie from Satan, and to rebuke him immediately.

After you promptly rebuke Satan, remind yourself of the many promises of God found within his Word, and of the fact that God has never and will never break not one single promise. Remind yourself that God instructs us, in the above verse of scripture taken from the book of Joshua, to be strong and brave, not to be afraid, or dismayed because he is with us everywhere we go. Remind yourself that God will never leave you or forsake you. I also encourage you to remember the above verse of scripture taken from the book of Psalms. This verse instructs us to be courageous, and advises us that when we are, God will strengthen our heart if we will hope in him. It is made clear in the above verse of scripture taken from the book of Matthew that God is aware that as human beings we have the potential to become discouraged. He lets us know that we can come to him when we are feeling tired, and he will give us rest. Finally, the above passage of scripture taken from I Peter instructs us to cast all of our cares on the Lord knowing he cares for us. Please note it doesn't say cast your cares on God for a minute, and then take them back. I encourage you to cast your cares on God, and to leave them there. After all, he is Almighty God, and there is no problem so great that he can't handle it.

I urge you to remember that God loves you tremendously right where you are, and that it is not God's desire for us to become discouraged, and opt to live in that state. God wants you to have a joyous life filled with love and his divine peace. I encourage you to remember who God is, and that his power is unlimited. Take whatever problems you are facing to God in prayer, cast your cares on him, and leave them there. Be Patient in prayer waiting on God to work in your life no matter how long it takes knowing that his timing is absolutely perfect. Remember who you are in Christ, be strong and of good courage, be bold in your faith, and walk in love. Rest in the assurance that as a child of God you will never face not one single problem alone. Rebuke Satan and his spirit of discouragement, enjoy your life, be kind, spread love, witness for Christ, and watch God work in your life.

If you have a prayer request and would like me to pray for you, leave me a message and I will be more than happy to do so. May God bless you!