Don't Be Discouraged

Bible Reading: Joshua 1:9 & 1 Corinthians 16:13

Difficult times can cause us to become discouraged. We lose heart. We begin to wonder if easier, happier times will ever return.

Prayer is an excellent tool to help fight the downward pull of discouragement. Talking to God, basking in His presence, helps us to unload the weight of the problems that are weighing us down.

Joshua 1:9 reminds us,"... do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." God may not take away the circumstances that cause us to feel discouraged, but He has promised to stay with us as we live through them. He has promised to be there to hold us, help us, and comfort us.

It may seem strange, but discouragement can have positive effects on our lives. Discouragement can lead us to turn from our self-sufficiency and become more dependent on God. It can force us to go to God for help, strength, and renewed courage because our own abilities, strength, and courage have failed.

"But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast." Hebrews 3:6

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for being with me when I'm discouraged. In Jesus' name. Amen.