What is the key to overcoming discouragement?

Response

The term discouragement is derived from the root word courage. The prefix dis- means “the opposite of.” Therefore, discouragement signifies the opposite of courage. When we experience discouragement, we lack the motivation to move forward. The mountain appears too steep, the valley too dark, or the battle too intense, and we lose the courage to persevere.

In various passages of Scripture, God instructs His people to be courageous (Psalm 27:14;Psalm 31:24;2 Chronicles 32:7;Deuteronomy 31:6). When God chose Joshua to lead the Israelites after Moses, some of His initial words to Joshua were, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go” “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”, (Joshua 1:9). This command was based on God’s earlier promise to Joshua in verse 6: “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Knowing that Joshua would face significant challenges, the Lord did not want His servant to become discouraged.

The key to overcoming discouragement is to recall and apply God’s promises. When we have a relationship with the Lord, we can rely on the promises He has given His people in His Word. Even if we do not see the fulfillment of those promises in this life, His assurances remain valid (Hebrews 11:13-16). This understanding kept the apostle Paul moving forward, proclaiming the gospel, ultimately leading to his imprisonment and martyrdom. From prison, hHe wrote, “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” «I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. », (Philippians 3:14). He could press on through persecution, rejection, beatings, and discouragement because his eyes were on the ultimate prize: hearing the words “Well done!” from his Lord and Savior (see Matthew 25:23; Revelation 22:12).

We easily become discouraged when we seek reward or affirmation from those around us. If our service or obedience is based upon immediate gratification, we may be setting ourselves up for discouragement. Jesus does not always take the easy path, and He warned His followers to consider that before they started (Luke 14:25-33). When we have already counted the cost of discipleship, we have more strength to face the battles ahead. We are not so easily discouraged when things don’t go our way because we know the battle is the Lord’s «And all this assembly shall know that the LORD saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give you into our hands. », (1 Samuel 17:47).

Discouragement can be a warning light suggesting to us that we have lost our primary focus. When we feel discouraged, it helps to get alone with the Lord and allow Him to examine our hearts and our motives «Search me, O God, and know my heart: Try me, and know my thoughts: », (Psalm 139:23). Often, it is pride, greed, or covetousness that is feeding our discouragement. A sense of entitlement can worm its way into our hearts and highlight the discrepancies.

There is often a discrepancy between what we possess and what we feel entitled to. When we acknowledge this mindset as sin, we can repent, show humility, and allow the Holy Spirit to realign our expectations. Viewing discouragement as a signal that our priorities have become distorted, it can serve as a tool for refinement to conform us more to the likeness of Jesus (see Romans 8:29).

The psalmist was familiar with discouragement, and his reaction was to recall God’s presence and rely on the promises of the Scriptures:

“Why, my soul, are you downcast?

Why so disturbed within me?

Put your hope in God,

for I will yet praise him,

my Savior and my God.

My soul is downcast within me;

therefore I will remember you” (Psalm 42:5-6).