What To Do When You Get Discouraged
It could be easy to think that once you become a Christian, things should go well and be better in life, but that is not always the case. We still live in a fallen world. Unfortunately, we could live a life completely faithful to God and still face trials, challenges, and disappointments. The key to remember is that once you become a Christian, you are not exempt from the struggles of life, but you do have the complete answer to get through them and be victorious over them.
In John 16:33, Jesus himself said He would give us peace. He said that we will have trouble in this world but to take heart because He has overcome the world. When the struggles come, when life doesn’t go the way you hoped, when catastrophes happen, and when you start to feel disappointed, remember you have a way to overcome and rise above.
Always go to the very best place to overcome discouragement and life’s struggles – your knees.
In Ephesians 6, the Apostle Paul writes that our battle in this world is not against what we see but against the spiritual forces in the heavenly realms. He said we continually battle rulers, authorities, and powers in this dark world. We must stand up for God and His Truth and not be overcome by the world, but we are to put on the armor of God. As a tip, I quote Ephesians 6:10-18 each morning and act out putting on God’s armor from my head to my feet.
The most important thing you can do when getting discouraged is to be honest with God. Let Him know what is wrong and how you feel. Ask Him to give you His peace, the right words, and the right thoughts. Paul himself, who wrote much of the New Testament, went through many struggles in his life to bring God’s word to the unsaved. He said that we would learn to persevere from our testing of faith and that we would become mature and complete over time and not lack anything. God is molding you, strengthening you, and maturing you. Turn your discouragements over to Him, and He will turn them into joy.
Here are some important questions for the week to answer and keep in front of you:
1) What things discourage you in this life?
2) Have you told God about your discouragements?
3) What is God showing you about your struggles and what to do with them?
Prayer: “God, you are my God, and I will ever praise you. Help me, Lord, to turn to you for all truth, peace, and encouragement. This world is still broken, but you are my hope and my joy. Please help me live a life that glorifies you in all I think, say, and do. Use me, Lord, every day and in every way.”
Scripture: John 16:33