You can plan and program your actions, but your reactions reveal your hidden, innermost issues. When you drop a tea bag into a cup of hot water, a dark brown color will flow from the bag. The hot water doesn’t put the color into the bag. It only brings out the color that is already there.
Discouragement is a reaction revealing that you have become filled with feelings of weariness or despair. Overcoming it is simply a matter of re-arranging your focus and mental furniture. Respond by deliberately filling yourself up with faith in God. Discouragement will vanish and you will see yourself reacting to the same situation with hope.
I Samuel 30:6
“…but David encouraged himself in the Lord.”
Practical Application and Assignments:
Discouragement begins with disappointment. If you don’t learn to deal with the disappointments in life, you will eventually become discouraged. Discouragement leads to despair and hopelessness.
- Research the Scriptures and seek out God’s promises. For example, if you’re lonely, Jesus said, “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:20 “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5
- Don’t react with despair. Respond with faith. Claim God’s promises. They belong to you. Make this declaration: “Every promise in God’s book is mine!” Place your name at the beginning of every promise. Glance at the problem. Focus on the promise.
- Encourage yourself. Look up! You can’t see God’s promises looking down. “I will lift up my eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2 Exodus 14:13 (AMP)
“…Fear not; stand still (firm, confident, undismayed) and see the salvation of the Lord which He will work for you today.” Exodus 14:13 (AMP)
