When the Holy Spirit asked me to share on discouragement, with reference to my recent experience, I was very reluctant to do so. The fact is, apart from my family and a few close friends, I seldom discuss my problems and challenges, especially, publicly. This is because over the years, like David, I have learnt to get on with life by keeping my eyes on the Lord and encouraging myself in Him, especially during the low seasons. (1 Samuel 30:6)
However, today, I have received messages from several people thanking me for sharing, as it greatly encouraged them; this assured me that the Father really wants to encourage His people; hence, this series on overcoming discouragement. I also received a very beautiful word of encouragement from a fellow minister, Richard Smart, which brought a smile on face. God is truly good!
Discouragement is a universal experience, no one is exempt from it; one way or another, every one of us experiences it. The challenge is not that we get discouraged, but what we do when we are discouraged and how quickly we get over it.
DEFINING DISCOURAGEMENT
The Hebrew word for discouraged is “kâhâh,” which means to grow weak, or dim; to faint, falter or fail.
However, to be discouraged is to lose or be deprived of confidence, courage or enthusiasm; it is to become pessimistic or experience a sense of failure.
When one experiences discouragement, they are often in despair, dismayed, demoralised, disheartened, disconcerted, downhearted and/or dispirited. Discouragement is often accompanied by despondency and depression.
Frankly, I have never seen so many words, all beginning with the letter “D” and all of them negative, describing one human condition. There is absolutely nothing positive or uplifting about discouragement, and we must do our best and strive to avoid or quickly get over it. This is why the Bible has so much to say to admonish us, and encourage us from getting or staying discouraged….
THE FATHER ENCOURAGES US
Joshua 1:6-7,9 NLT
“Be strong and courageous…. [7] Be strong and very courageous… [9] This is my command-be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 8:1a NLT
“Then the LORD said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid or discouraged…”
Joshua 10:25 NKJV
“Then Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed; be strong and of good courage, for thus the LORD will do to all your enemies against whom you fight.”
2 Chronicles 15:7 AMP
“But as for you, be strong and do not lose courage, for there is reward for your work.”
The Father knows the effects of discouragement and wants to encourage us to learn to avoid or overcome it by looking to Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 12:2-3 NKJV
“[2] Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. [3] For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.” AMEN!!!
For Further Reading: Isaiah 42:4; Joshua 1; Hebrews 12:1-6
Fulfilling Our Theme For 2024: “Building The Highway And Lifting The Banner”
“And in that day, there shall be a Root of Jesse, who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the Gentiles shall seek Him…. (therefore) Go through, go through the gates! Prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway! Take out the stones, lift up a banner for the peoples!” [Isaiah 11:10, Isaiah 62:10]
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