How to Deal With Discouragement From a Biblical Perspective
The "Enhanced Strong's Lexicon" defines discouragement as being disheartened. It is likened to sinking or withdrawing, and is characterized by fear of the future and loss of hope. At the heart of discouragement lies lack of trust in God. Trust in God brings hope and encouragement because of the knowledge that he is in control. Many people experience discouragement, but those who overcome it do so by relying on God. They experience peace, despite the hopelessness of their circumstances.
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Instructions
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Acknowledge discouragement as a sin. In the Old Testament, God became angry at the Israelites on numerous occasions because their discouragement caused them to resist entering the land of Canaan. This behavior indicated that they did not trust him. As Romans 14:23 says, anything that does not come from faith is sin.
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Take action. Discouragement often prevents you from doing the things you should do. Ignore your feelings and let your actions demonstrate that your faith is in God rather than in your circumstances. Joseph continued to trust God even after his brothers sold him into slavery and Potiphar unjustly imprisoned him. When God wanted to use him to interpret dreams, Joseph did not remain inactive because of discouragement. He obeyed God and God rewarded him for his faith.
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Don't give up. Discouragement is a tool of the Devil and his goal is to make you give up, but he hasn't won until you quit. In Nehemiah, the builders who returned to Jerusalem were discouraged because of the opposition of the surrounding nations. Satan won when they gave in to their discouragement and stopped building the wall, but he was defeated when they were encouraged to continue the work.
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Remove contributors to discouragement. This is not always possible, but often it is. Don't engage in conversations with friends or family members who discourage you with their constant negativity. Refuse to dwell on discouraging situations and ignore your own discouraging thoughts.
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Bring your problems to God. Confess your pain and discouragement and allow God to comfort you. 2 Corinthians 7:6 says that God comforts those who are discouraged. Allow God to bring you peace even though he might not solve your problems immediately. Read the Bible and meditate on scripture to remain close to God. Remember that he is always in control even when he seems far away.
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References
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