Discouragement is a negative and unpleasant experience! Someone described it as “a dark cloud or a heavy blanket that wants to oppress us and take away our energy, drive, joy and just make us want to give up, run away and be silent.” Discouragement stifles creativity and hinders productivity. If unchecked and stopped, it can impede your progress and derail your destiny!
The causes of discouragement, however, could be put into two categories – natural circumstances on one hand and demonic attacks on the other. I believe that the natural circumstances that cause discouragement, if unchecked, often open the door to demonic attacks.
NATURAL CIRCUMSTANCES
2 Corinthians 4:7-9 NLT
“[7] We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. [8] We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. [9] We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.”
These were the words of Paul, a man who left everything to follow and serve Jesus Christ, and was doing everything in his power to advance His Kingdom. Yet, he acknowledged our frailty and the challenging circumstances that we often find ourselves in. These are enough to discourage and make us want to quit and abandon the call, but praise God, we don’t. Paul’s description gives us the understanding that though we are in Christ, we are still human.
Let’s take a further look at some of the natural causes of discouragement…
1. The Expectations We Have Of Ourselves.
If we don’t manage the expectations that we have of ourselves, this could lead to weariness and discouragement. When we are perfectionist and the outcomes of our actions and activities don’t match our efforts and expectations, discouragement is inevitable. When we don’t pause to celebrate our successes but quickly brush them aside, and rather, enhance and focus on our failures and shortcomings, that could also lead to discouragement.
It really pains me to say that this is one my biggest challenges, and part of what caused my recent struggle with discouragement. The Lord has done so much with me and our ministry; however, I had lost sight of the successes, had grown weary and was beginning to feel that I had given so much and received so little in return.
As a perfectionist, I am also always hard on myself, and don’t give myself as much slack as I know I should. My walk with Jesus and service to him defines every area of my life, including my marriage and family and friends, so I have high expectations also of everyone!
Unfortunately, because we are all imperfect and live in an imperfect world, the striving for perfection soon becomes a heavy yoke around our necks, if we allow it to; we soon grow tired, weary and discouraged. This is why Jesus spoke these words to us…
“[28] Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30 NLT)
During my time away, my friend Glenys wrote these words to me… “Every creature that God has made needs rest and good sleep. It needs a healthy routine to work for our good. So it is not surprising when we are giving all we have – to then find that we are exhausted and low in spirit. Therefore, thank the Lord that He has arranged this time of rest for you – no guilt and no shame in that. He knows what is good and best for you…. More than Jennifer does.”
If your expectations of yourself are weighing you down, it is time to heed to the words of Jesus, and turn to Him for help. Ask Him for the grace to “come away.” Remember, His yoke is easy and His burden is light!
We shall continue next time…
For Further Reading: 2 Corinthians 6:3-10
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)