Dealing with Discouragement

[snugsnug]

Dealing with Discouragement

And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap
if we do not grow weary.

Galatians 6:9

A story is told about a public auction that the devil had. As the
prospective buyers assembled, they noticed Satan was selling his tools of
worry, fear, lust, greed and selfishness. But off to one side, standing
alone, was one well-worn tool labeled "Not for sale."

Asked to explain, the devil replied, "I can spare my other tools, but
this is the most useful implement that I have. With it I can work my way
deep into hearts otherwise inaccessible. It is the tool of
discouragement."

What tools do we need to overcome discouragement? First, truthfulness.
I've found that God is not fooled by my lofty prayers for the
missionaries in Africa, when deep inside I'm hurting. God is able to handle your
emotions. Be honest with yourself and God about your disappointment.

Second, pray about it. Are you discouraged about a child who rarely
reaches your expectations? Tell God. Disheartened about your mate and an
unresolved conflict? God knows already, but pour it out.

Third, find the source of your discouragement. Sometimes it's a goal
that was not attained...again. Or the problem may be a friend's cutting
remark, or the feeling that you're carrying a particularly heavy burden
alone, or the lack of approval by an important person in your life.

By isolating the source of my discouragement, I often find my hope was
in the wrong person or in the wrong place. Or I find my response was
normal-and, because I can't quit, I've just got to work through my
feelings of wanting to toss in the towel.

Fourth, with a heart of faith look beyond your circumstances and your
emotions to a God who will renew you day by day. Realize that God uses
hardship to perfect our faith (see Rom. 5:1-10). God promises that we'll
one day reap if we don't grow weary.



Discuss: What is causing discouragement for you right now? Which of the
tools do you need to use to combat discouragement?

Pray: Get on your knees and pray that neither of you would grow weary
and lose heart.

---
Excerpted from "Moments Together for Couples" by Dennis and Barbara
Rainey.

[snugsnug]

Choose to Enjoy Life

Today's Scripture

"Jesus came so that we might have and enjoy life, and have it to the full until it overflows." (John 10:10)

Today's Word from Joel and Victoria

A 17th century monk, Brother Lawrence, found the answer to enjoying the nitty-gritty of everyday life. He was a humble cook in a French monastery, but he authored a book entitled Practicing the Presence of God. In it, Brother Lawrence explained how he was able to turn even the most commonplace and menial tasks, like preparing meals and washing dishes, into acts of praise and communion with God. The key, he wrote, was not to change what you do, but to change your attitude toward what you do. When you begin doing these tasks, realize that you are doing them for God. Use it as an opportunity to worship Him through acts of service. When you do, you will discover pleasure even in taking out the trash.

So don't let the enemy deceive you into thinking that you must get away from your daily routine in order to truly relax and enjoy life. Don't wait for your next vacation–enjoy today and every day as a gift from God. Enjoy getting up and eating breakfast. Enjoy going to work. Enjoy mowing the lawn. Enjoy going to the grocery store. Enjoy washing the dishes. You have to do these things anyway–why not choose to enjoy them? When you do, you will go through life with a smile on your face, a spring in your step and you'll enjoy the abundant, overflowing life of victory that God has in store for you.

A Prayer for Today

God, what an amazing and blessed day this will be when I choose to tackle every task with joy and thanksgiving. As I go through my to-do list, I will do so knowing that every day is a gift and I am happy to accept it from my Father in Heaven. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Read another Word with Joel & Victoria