I was just thinking about a conversation I had with a friend last week. He told me that things were not going well. He had lost his job, and his bills were mounting. He was terribly discouraged. I gave him what I call my foundational verse. It says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10 NIV1984). A few days later, he texted me and said, “Tom, I already knew that verse, but I never thought to apply it to me. Thanks for reminding me that God is in control and that He cares.”
Discouragement is Real — and It Takes a Toll
Some who read this may be facing battles in life much like my friend. Like him, they may have forgotten some truths that override discouragement when put into practice. Truthfully, none of us is immune to times of discouragement. But help is just a prayer away!
While there are many, here are six common causes of discouragement that affect both unbelievers and believers:
• Falling short of expectations
• Comparing yourself to others
• Stress that overwhelms
• Health issues
• Financial difficulties
• Worry
How to Find Help When Discouragement Sets In
As a pastor, I have counseled hundreds of people who were dealing with many problems. With each of them, there was a common issue — they forgot the promises of God in His Word. I would like to remind the reader of some wonderful truths and promises from God’s Word, and I pray that they will be helpful:
• Give your discouragement to the Lord. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). No matter how familiar this verse is, so many forget that it is true.
• Put your worries on the Lord’s shoulders. One of the greatest quotes I have held onto for over seven decades resonates with truth. “Worry is assuming a responsibility God never gave you!” Of all the ways discouragement finds its way into our lives, worry is the biggest avenue. God’s Word says, “Cast all your anxiety (worry) on him because he cares for you” (I Peter 5:7). There is continuity in God’s Word because this truth is found in the Old Testament as well. “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall” (Psalm 55:22).
• Seek refuge from discouragement by clinging to His promises. “God is our refuge and strength, and ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). When I was a young athlete and did not fare as well as I thought I should in an event, I sought my dad and his wisdom. Friends, our heavenly Father knows all about us, and we should run to him when we are discouraged.
• The Lord can heal the brokenhearted and discouraged. “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:17-18). Whether the marriage is facing difficulties, if the bills are mounting and the finances are slim, if a loved one has died or if a potential promotion did not come through, the help from God is just a prayer away.
Friends who are believers can be encouragers! Sharing the truths of God’s Word with others can lift them up. May each of us care enough to encourage.
