Overcoming Discouragement
Discouragement comes in many forms and from many sources. We have all been through seasons of being discouraged. I know I have been through that a lot! Whenever we step into something bigger than ourselves, discouragement is right around the corner, waiting to jump on our shoulders. As discouragement settles in, it sprouts unhealthy mindsets that lead to destructive actions. We must guard our hearts and our minds from this emotion and perspective.
What kind of effect can discouragement have on us?
It will give us a negative outlook on life. We will see and analyze everything through our lens of discouragement.
It will lead us to Sin. As we are discouraged, we usually look for something to bring us immediate comfort. Now, although that should be prayer and time with the Lord, we often jump to our temptations for that comfort. We will find ourselves doing the old things to feel better because we feel discouraged.
And Lastly, discouragement will cause us to quit. Once we have convinced ourselves that the discouraging thoughts might be true (even if they aren't), we will begin to react to those thoughts. If I believe I'm not good enough or not called by God, I will start to act on those beliefs. Why would I continue walking in the call if I believe I'm not called?
So how exactly do we overcome this mindset? I want to give you three things you can do to break free from discouragement.
Start by identifying the source of your discouragement. We will often find that we are discouraged by things that aren't even real. We are bothered and upset by theoretical ideas! Identify the source so you can address any REAL reason to be discouraged.
Secondly, look at the good in your life! "What Good!" might be some of your responses. How unfortunate that we believers can have Jesus and yet still struggle to find "the good." If you have Jesus, you have everything! Like Paul said, "I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord...". When struggling with being discouraged, remember that you are saved and loved by Jesus! How encouraging is that!
And lastly, spend time with the Lord. I have had moments in my life of discouragement, and often I will withdraw myself from whatever I'm doing and spend time in prayer. There is nothing more freeing than a moment with Jesus. There is nothing more encouraging than reading His Word. I may not be able to address every situation and reason for my emotion, but when I encounter Him, those things begin to lose their grip on my heart. I would almost say that this is the BEST thing you can do to overcome. Spend time with Jesus.