The Battle of Discouragement

 

Psalm 42:1-8

As the deer pants for streams of water,
    so my soul pants for you, my God.
 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
    When can I go and meet with God?
 My tears have been my food
    day and night,
while people say to me all day long,
    “Where is your God?”
 These things I remember
    as I pour out my soul:
how I used to go to the house of God
    under the protection of the Mighty One[d]
with shouts of joy and praise
    among the festive throng.

 Why, my soul, are you downcast?
    Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
    for I will yet praise him,
    my Savior and my God.

 My soul is downcast within me;
    therefore I will remember you
from the land of the Jordan,
    the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar.
 Deep calls to deep
    in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers
    have swept over me.

 By day the Lord directs his love,
    at night his song is with me—
    a prayer to the God of my life.

         

          Oh if you know me personally, then you know that I have been discouraged in 2020.  Actually, I don't know of anyone who hasn't been discouraged in some way this year.  Discouragement can come from anywhere, but it may be from your health, your job, your friends, the election, the media, the way you're treated, COVID-19, or just the current circumstance that life has you in.  In our times of discouragement, let us remember that God loves us and desires to lead us to a place of a renewed vision of Himself!

       "Disappointments will come and go, but discouragement is a response, and we can respond in other ways.  If we understand that God allows disappointments, we can find meaning in trouble.  Confess...'The Father is with me in the pain; He’s in control of my life and has allowed this for a reason; He is a good God, who will not let this disappointment be in vain.'  Discouragement may sound harmless enough, but don’t underestimate its power. By keeping watch, you can avoid its deadly trap" [intouch.org]

       “Keep Calm and Carry On.” This message first appeared in Great Britain as World War II began in 1939. British officials printed it on posters designed to offset panic and discouragement during the war.  I have a t-shirt that my friend, Karla, made for me that says, "Keep Calm and Blog On".  She knows that I blog about what's on my heart and I find encouragement through it.

        As for myself, the battle of discouragement used to be an easy one for me but now it is not.  I've probably relied to much on myself in the past but now I see that reliance on the Lord is my only hope and path.  I have been in the hallway of waiting so much lately for a new aide and for other things I won't reveal here.  I know God is faithful.  I, also, know that I am impatient.  I will use this blog personally to encourage myself and try to be as patient, as possible.  God has conquered my doubts 100% of the times before, so I will trust Him again and again and continue to pray.

       6 Ways to battle discouragement are:  to count your blessings, consider what you take for granted, practice whatever encourages you, give of yourself to others, remind yourself that others are praying for what you have, and read encouraging Scripture.

Understand that discouragement...[intouch.org]

Is something we choose. While it’s a natural response to difficult circumstances, we have the power to choose a different response. No one else is responsible for our discouragement.

Is universal. At times, everybody will face periods of disappointment and discouragement because we live in a flawed world filled with flawed people.

Can recur. Sometimes we think we’ve settled an issue, which later resurfaces when we least expect it. Or we may have old emotional wounds triggered by something a person says or does.

Can be temporary or lifelong. Refusing to face discouragement head-on can open the door for it to influence our decisions, actions, and relationships as long as we live.

Is conquerable. With the Father’s help, we can get through seasons of discouragement. He wants His children to have a rich and fulfilled life. If we trust in His promises and His character, our feelings of discouragement will slowly be replaced by hope.

Even if you still feel discouraged, remember above all else, God is in control.