Defeating Discouragement

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Discouragement is deflating. It’s like being in a relationship that is dear to your heart, and for an unknown reason, the connection ends. There is no explanation, it’s just over. Disappointment attempts to overtake. You pray, are still, inquire more of God, and wonder. At least when resistance comes, it seems to bring a different response because you can “armor up,” and read Ephesians 6:10-17 for all you’re worth.

Keys to defeating Discouragement

Arming Yourself

When you are clothed in discouragement, the battle rages as you begin to read aloud Scripture on encouragement. Dismay is deep, and will not leave without a fight. Begin reading encouraging words, and the conflict in your soul goes something like this: “This isn’t true, you can’t honestly say this is so for you. What do you think you’re doing?” And then it happens, God’s Word brings reassurance. His truth read aloud begins to resonate. “Yes! This is the truth! Dejection had a hold, but now I see God has better plans for me.”

Suddenly, the words of our forefathers of the faith become our words:

I felt encouraged because the gracious hand of the LORD my God was on me” Ezra 7:28 (NLV).

Your words have supported those who were falling; You encouraged those with shaky knees” Job 4:4.

Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged” Psalm 69:52b.

Clinging to Truth

With each Scripture read aloud, the soul shifts in recognition of the truth. For once the soul knows the light and love of its Creator, it is drawn once again to His healing presence. Mind, will, and emotions understand the hand of Jesus. We know when we are the ones with shaky knees. And we become the ones who seek God’s help and are then encouraged.

Then comes the fullness of victory that aligns with Psalm 138:3; “As soon as I pray You answer me; You encourage me by giving me strength.”

As I repeat Psalm 138:3 aloud, the understanding that the Lord had given me strength, lifts me from the darkness of discouragement to the light of God’s love.

As you can see, this is a process. Sometimes breakthrough comes quickly, but often it is a matter of standing your ground. Remind yourself that God’s Word is powerful, transformative, and will defeat every attempt of the enemy of your soul to bring you low.

An opened bible

God is faithful, and as we pursue Him with wholeheartedness, He is pleased. He’s a Good Father. He has given us everything we need to walk victoriously, and He rewards us as we are diligent to seek Him. I encourage you to allow yourself to walk in awareness of His great abiding love for you. Knowing you are loved and valued, will keep your focus on Him and not circumstances.

I join the apostle Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1:17-19a for you:

Defeating discouragement
I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.

I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him….

May this be so in your life, in Jesus’ Name.

Jacquie ♥

Jacquie is a writer, counselor, and life coach, who lives with her husband in the Pacific Northwest. She loves the Lord, and finds boundless encouragement in His Word. The joy of her heart is seeing gladness enter those who have been set free by God’s love. Come join her at https://joycottage.blog, or @JacquieABradford, for more encouragement.