Winning Over Discouragement

Psalms 34:17-19, 55:22, l27:3, Jeremiah 29:11, Isaiah 40:31, 41:10

On this journey of life, there are many challenges and obstacles for even the obedient followers of the Lord.  It is tragic that some have taught that when one follows, loves, and obeys the Lord they are free from the struggles of life.  However, it does not take long before this is proven to be wrong. God’s Word does not instruct us that our Lord delivers us from all our problems but He sustains us in the challenges.  Often the challenges, struggles, hurt and pains lead one to become discouraged and frustrated which can lead to anger, bitterness, and resentment of the Lord and His moving in life. However, the practices of the believer are things such as:

• Being thankful - I Thessalonians 5:18

• Praising the Lord - Psalms 104:33-34

• Taking one’s burdens to God in prayer - Psalms 55:22

• Telling others of God’s blessings - Psalms 77: 11-13

These are ways in which one’s focus is on the blessings of God which affect the heart (inner person) and the way one talks. This is aiming one’s life to the presence, power, and provisions of God.

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for focusing on the things I do not have and help me to think about all Your blessings I enjoyed today.

Project: List the blessings that are on your mind now, thank God, and tell someone else about God’s blessings on your life.