Are You Facing Feelings of Discouragement?

We’ve all been there.

We’ve all experienced moments when things didn’t work out the way we hoped and prayed they would.

Moments when life feels overwhelmingly hard, and feelings of failure and guilt are all too familiar. Moments when nothing seems to be changing, even though we’re trying so hard.

Moments when nothing we do seems good enough, and we don’t feel like we measure up to the expectations set. We thought it would be different. This isn’t the desired outcome.

Our souls become discouraged, as we feel all hope drain from within us. Giving up feels like the best option. The reality of life has left us feeling hopeless and disappointed.

This is exactly how the Psalmist in Psalm 42:5-6 felt.

Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again–my Savior and my God! Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember you–even from distant Mount Hermon, the source of the Jordan, from the land of Mount Mizar.

Psalm 42:5-6

The sons of Korah have been through some stuff. They are deeply discouraged and their hearts are sad.

Can you relate?

I can.

But my darling friend, God wants us to be encouraged! He knows the enemy will try to use discouragement to distract us from the plans He has for us. He knows the enemy will come to steal, kill, and destroy our hopes and dreams, and everything good God has planned for us.

Psalm 42:5-6 teaches us four very distinct practical applications. The sons of Korah instruct us on how they overcame discouragement. These four practical applications can still be applied to our lives today!

1) They questioned their own souls.

Why am I discouraged?

Why is my heart so sad?

By identifying and acknowledging the areas of our lives the enemy is using discouragement to attack us, we can become more alert and start to fight back. Our thoughts play a large role in discouragement. Ask yourself “what kind of thoughts have I been thinking?” If you’re thinking negative or discouraging thoughts, you’ll cultivate discouragement in your life.

2) They put their hope in God.

Once you’ve identified why you feel discouraged give these areas to God through prayer. Ask Him to help you through these moments of disappointment, discouragement, and sadness. We can give Him the situation fully, asking Him to show us His will, and give us His peace and healing. I find comfort in knowing that it is through our greatest moments of discouragement and disappointment that God will strengthen our faith if we allow Him.When we feel discouraged it is okay to seek rest and refuge in God. Stay in prayer, stay in scripture, and draw out His strength, promises, and encouragement for your soul.

God’s Word restores our hope.

3) They praised Him.

Yep! They were deeply discouraged and their hearts were sad, they’d been through some stuff. But they praised God anyway. This, my darling friend, is some good advice. Nothing makes the enemy madder then when we praise God through our struggles and our storms.

He is infinite, He never changes, He is all-powerful, and all-knowing.

He is omnipresent, He is faithful, He is just, and He is merciful.

He is gracious and His loving-kindness endures forever!

Our God is a good good God.

And He loves you.

So turn on some praise and worship music, sing your heart out, praise God, and push back the enemy. I promise that your heart will feel uplifted and your soul refreshed! The situation may not change, but there is power in praise, even just thanking Him for the good in your life can bring light into the darkness.

4) They remembered God.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

John 10:10

I’ve come to realize that the enemy will attack at the shifts in our lives, because he wants to knock us out of the game.

Ever heard the saying “Another level, another devil.”

You may feel the most discouraged right before a big shift in your life. You have to be alert, and prepared to fight through thoughts of discouragement. Discouragement destroys hope, without hope we give up, which is what the enemy wants. When you want to give up- dig deeper– especially when you know you’re walking in God’s will.

Remember God, He has a plan for you, and it is good.

Discouragement can attack anyone at any time.

No one is immune.

Are there areas in your life where the enemy is attacking you with discouragement today??

There are so many different areas in my life that the enemy tries to discourage me. He’s a master at feeding on my insecurities and placing doubt within me. He discourages me from trying to be my best and believing in myself. And he strikes at exactly the right moments.

 I plan to fight back!

And my darling friend I hope you do too!

If you know someone you love that’s battling with discouragement in their lives, make sure you share this post with them. We must always encourage others through their battles.

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As always your thoughts and comments are welcome!! Connecting is so important in forming Godly relationships!