The hardest thing, in the midst of opposition, is to move past the discouragement that wants to set in and keep moving forward.
We all face various trials and challenges, some more weighty than others… but the first emotion that usually sets in is discouragement. Discouragement has such power, it can pull us down so deep, that the next level we hit, is depression. Joy becomes a distant memory, as our lives get covered by clouds, dark and somber, detaching us from ourselves and our lives. Normal focus is lost, and distorted interpretations lead the way.
The enemy is the accuser of the brethren, and his method is to make us feel bad about ourselves and our lives. He wants us to feel like failures and worms… because when we do, we go down into the hole of discouragement, where our strength is lost, our upheld arms fall down in exhaustion, and our focus becomes overshadowed by the distraction of our struggle. For discouragement draws our strength out, where joy fills it up.
The enemy’s strategy is to get us off-course, distracted, and overburdened, so that our energy and focus fail. He can not touch us, however, when we remain under the shadow of the Almighty, holding onto His truth and basking in His grace and love. When you feel discouragement setting in, start thanking God for who He is, and how much He loves you, and remind yourself of who you are in Him. Take a moment to be quiet and receive His comfort, affection, and praise of you which is so readily available.
God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness. He exchanges our mourning for His joy and our discouragement for His encouragement. Let Him be the lifter of your soul when you feel weighed down by the burdens of life.
He is good, and His plans are good… so no matter what you face, guard your heart from being pulled down by discouragement, and keep moving forward.
Revelation 12:10, 11
10 And I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothersb has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God. 11 And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.
Psalm 3
1 O LORD, how many are my foes!
Many are rising against me;
2 many are saying of my soul,
“There is no salvation for him in God.” Selaha3 But you, O LORD, are a shield about me,
my glory, and the lifter of my head.
4 I cried aloud to the LORD,
and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah5 I lay down and slept;
I woke again, for the LORD sustained me.
6 I will not be afraid of many thousands of people
who have set themselves against me all around.7 Arise, O LORD!
Save me, O my God!
For you strike all my enemies on the cheek;
you break the teeth of the wicked.8 Salvation belongs to the LORD;
your blessing be on your people! Selah