It’s important to look at the definition of discouragement again to see the different elements that play into being discouraged.
Discouraged (According to Strong’s concordance): to waste away, to melt, vanish, drop off, melt away, to faint, grow fearful, wasted, worthless, to cause to melt
Fear knocks at the door
When we are discouraged there is generally an element of fear associated with the discouragement. We may fear that our past mistakes will dictate the rest of our lives. There is a feeling that there is no hope for a better future. We may think we are not good enough for a certain task/responsbility. As a result any of those thoughts or feelings can cause fear in our hearts and lead us to discouragement.
But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. Matthew 8:26
The above scripture tells us the disciples became fearful and their faith faltered when they saw the storm. However, Jesus rebuked the storm without allowing it to cause fear in His heart.
When the storms of life bring discouragement, we need to recognize the enemy’s schemes who is trying to derail us. It’s necessary to rebuke the spirit behind that discouragement and speak peace to our spirit and emotions.
Worthlessness raises its ugly head
Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Sometimes the discouragement comes from feeling of not being valued. Those who give of themselves the most can feel discouraged because their worth seems to be based on what they give rather than true appreciation of who they are as a person. It’s good to be generous with our encouragement because we don’t know who may be struggling emotionally.
People’s encouragement in my life sometimes comes from unexpected people in my life. The Lord has used people at the gym (believers and unbelievers) to say something that was just the right word to encourage me. There are other times, when I seek help by talking to my husband or calling a friend.
One melts away
Sometimes discouragement can be so strong that we can’t even stand up straight. When one goes through the loss of a loved one or a job loss, it can take the wind out of the person. Discouragement can leave an individual on the floor helpless and falling apart for a while.
But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
Waiting on God in those tough times is all we can do. We may be too weak to fight, too tired to care, and too discouraged to see hope. All we can do it to wait on God’s deliverance. God will get us out of the pit. He will give us strength to fly again. He will give us the energy to care, and He will allow us to see Him in a new and fresh way. Praise God that He doesn’t allow His people to stay in a place of discouragement.
Discouragement will come to the best of us that’s why it’s important to be prepared to handle it well before we get into that position!
For comments, please contact me at karlinefischer@yahoo.com.