Victory over Discouragement

Inspiration MinistriesBy Inspiration Ministries3 Minutes

“My God, my soul is cast down within me . . . I say to God my Rock, ‘Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?’ . . . Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” Psalm 42:6-11 NIV

How do we respond when we are discouraged? When nothing seems to be going right. It can be easy to become resigned. To feel defeated and hopeless. But in this Psalm we see how one man responded by being honest with God. Instead of wallowing in despair, he told Him the burdens of his heart!

He had felt “cast down” and “forgotten.” Yet in discouraging circumstances, he thirsted for God’s presence:

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God.” He knew that he needed God.

He remembered when he led those going to the “house of God.” When he had celebrated “with shouts of joy and thanksgiving.” But circumstances had changed, and his life was filled with pain.

Instead of feeling joyful, he went around “mourning,” oppressed and taunted by his enemies.

But, instead of bottling up his discouragement, he “poured out” his feelings to God, calling on Him as “deep calls to deep.” He knew that “by day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me—a prayer to the God of my life.”

How do you respond when you are overwhelmed by problems? When you are discouraged? Don’t run from God. Instead, be honest with Him. Cry out and tell Him every detail of your concerns.

And place your hope in Him.

As you call on Him, you can be confident that you will “yet praise him.” He can take away your burdens, restore your joy, and turn defeat into victory.

 

Prayer: Father, thank You that I can put my hope in You. Help me not to be discouraged or defeated by the experiences of life. I believe You for victory! In Jesus’ name. Amen.