OVERCOMING DISCOURAGEMENT

All of us, at one time or another, face discouraging moments.  The loss of a loved one, a long time friendship, or perhaps even a job can and does affect our lives.  Because of discouragement, many are driven to do things they would not normally do: adultery, drinking, drugs and even suicide. Whether these moments come from losing a loved one or losing a job makes no difference; the question is still the same.  Everyone wants to know how to overcome discouragement, how to overcome the heartaches and trials that beset us?

Is there a solution to overcoming the problem of discouragement? Wynonna Judd’s song “Rockbottom” contains these words, “When you hit rockbottom there is only two ways to go, straight up and sideways.”  Although these words are not inspired, they do teach a great truth about overcoming hard times.  The only way to overcome is to go straight up!!  We must look to God if we are to overcome the discouraging times in our lives.

First, we must allow God to fill the void.  Most people who are deeply discouraged feel empty, or worthless.  Some to the point that they commit suicide thinking that will solve all their problems.  The solution to the problem begins by allowing God to fill the void in our lives.  God can and will strengthen and encourage us if we will just put our trust in Him.

Remember what Paul wrote, “...be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might...” and “...I can do all things through Christ Jesus which strengtheneth me” (Eph. 6:10 and Phil. 4:13).  We do not have the strength to overcome discouragement by ourselves, nobody does.  But, God can make us able.  He can give us the victory over sin, over self, over the world and over discouragement if we will just allow Him to fill the void in our lives.

Second, we must remember that God will not give up on us.  “...If God be for us, who can be against us?  He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, now shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” (Rom. 8:31-32).  If God did not hesitate to give His Son that we might be saved, what makes us think He will give up on us just because we have problems.  His love and concern for His children never fades.

Have you ever asked yourself how Paul and Silas could sing praises to God after having been beaten and placed in stocks?  Could it be because they knew God was on their side?  Read Romans 8:35-39!  God will not give up on us - we must not give up on Him!

Third, we must allow God to work through us.  In times of discouragement most people tend to turn inward and focus on themselves rather than others. We tend to think our problems are unique, something no one else has ever had to face.  The Apostle Paul knew that was not the case.  He knew he was not the only one who had ever been persecuted, or would ever be persecuted.  Therefore, he used his unfortunate situation to encourage and help others who faced the same thing (Phil. 1).  During times of discouragement, we need to allow God to work through us to reach and help others.  We have His strength to help us get through; others do not.  If we allow God to work through us we can overcome our grief and help others at the same time.

How do we overcome discouragement?  It is simple — by looking straight up to God!

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        By Chris Clouse (Banner of Truth)