We have discussed that allowing discouragement to set in a choice we must never make. Though we may face many challenging circumstances we must never entertain and nurture discouragement in our lives!
Thankfully, there are several ways in which we can overcome discouragement. Let’s first look at an immediate or short-term strategy; that is, what we can do immediately a situation arises and we are at risk of getting discouraged.
1. Strengthen And Encourage Yourself In The Lord.
The first, immediate and most important and effective key to overcoming discouragement is to encourage and strengthen yourself in the Lord. I have always found this to be very useful and effective.
1 Samuel 30:1-6 NKJV
“[1] Now it happened, when David and his men came to Ziklag, on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the South and Ziklag, attacked Ziklag and burned it with fire, [2] and had taken captive the women and those who were there, from small to great; they did not kill anyone, but carried them away and went their way. [3] So David and his men came to the city, and there it was, burned with fire; and their wives, their sons, and their daughters had been taken captive. [4] Then David and the people who were with him lifted up their voices and wept, until they had no more power to weep. [5] And David’s two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the widow of Nabal the Carmelite, had been taken captive. [6] Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened [encouraged) himself in the LORD his God.”
David found himself in a very challenging and life-threatening situation. He had every opportunity to be discouraged, yet the scripture says that David strengthened and encouraged himself in the Lord. How did he do that? He turned to the Lord in prayer…
1 Samuel 30:7-8 NKJV
“[7] Then David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech’s son, “Please bring the ephod here to me.” And Abiathar brought the ephod to David. [8] So David inquired of the LORD, saying, “Shall I pursue this troop? Shall I overtake them?” And He answered him, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and without fail recover all.””
How can we also strengthen and encourage ourselves in the Lord? What immediate actions can we take? We must immediately turn to the Father in prayer.
Philippians 4:6-7 NLT
“[6] Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. [7] Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
Whenever we feel the threat of discouragement, our first response must be to turn to God in prayer and talk to Him. Do not just pray in tongues, talk to the Father in your own language, and tell Him what has happened and how you’re feeling.
Be open and sincere, as this is the only forum for you to be yourself. Cry out to Him, and weep, if you want to. It is the safest and most secure place for you to be; the Father is the most trustworthy and able-to-help Person you could ever come to. Remember, in His presence there is fulness of joy… (Psalm 16:11)
Pray and ask the Lord for the strength and comfort of the Holy Spirit. Ask the Father to speak to your soul, to strengthen and encourage you. Then ask the Father to show you the way forward – what your next steps should be. He shall surely hear, answer and help you!
Nehemiah 6:9 NASB
“For all of them were trying to frighten us, thinking, “They will become discouraged with the work and it will not be done.” But now, O God, strengthen my hands.” AMEN!
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]
Women In Tune | QUIVER | Cedars House Christian (International)