The Devil Will Not WinSample

Help in Times of Discouragement

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?

Romans 8:31-32

Imagine a young boy, jumping out of bed on a Saturday morning, excited for the picnic his family has planned, only to see dark clouds and rain pouring down. That is the agony and sharp bite of disappointment. His expectation of a good day is ruined. Feeling disappointment and hurt as a child is one thing, but it doesn’t get much better as we get older, does it?

We would be surprised to know the number of Christians who are bothered by a degree of discouragement, for it spares no one. It affects the young believer as well as the old. Discouragement can easily become more than an emotion; after a while, it becomes a disposition, an outlook, and an attitude, a darkened lens through which we view everything before us. Joy, victory, and effective ministry can’t grow in a climate of discouragement. Rather, what’s often found are fear, self-pity, and self-absorption—preoccupation with one’s own feelings, thoughts, or situation.

What should we do when serious disappointments occur? The enemy seeks to tempt us, just like he did with Christ in the wilderness. Our disappointment should drive us to a deeper dependence on God and His amazing grace and love. Believe this in your tears, and the day will come when you’ll believe it in your joy. We have a Savior who loves us so much that He died for us to secure our salvation (John 3:16). He assures us we are never alone. Are not the angels sent forth to minister to those who will be heirs of salvation? (Hebrews 1:14)

If we find ourselves discouraged, let us turn to Christ, the Light of the World, and place our dispirited lives in His hands, along with any feelings of hopelessness. Let us ask for His help in guiding us out of the darkness, casting all our care upon Him, for He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7), and keeping in mind Jesus’ promise that we will find rest for our souls: “For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:30). Finally, let us turn to the fellowship of our brothers and sisters in the Lord.

O God, there are times when, instead of focusing on You, I focus on myself, which only brings discouragement. Lift me out of this slough of despondency, and give me Your perspective on my walk with You and on my fellowship with other believers. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.