Escaping The Slippery Slope of Discouragement!

Discouragement casts shadows on our future, blurs our vision, and destroys our hope.

You know what I'm talking about...the unshakable shackles around your hands and feet, making it difficult to lift your head from your pillow or put your feet to the floor...or the big hole in your chest (feeling) making you certain death is upon you, except your heart continues to beat...

It's ok. We've all been there. We've all experienced the moments where we doubt our abilities, ponder our existence, and question the meaning of life. In our moment of weakness, we succumb to the voices of "You'll never be good enough." "Give up!" or "You're a fool for trying!"

Dissatisfied with our present circumstances we question our call and wonder if God really cares...


In Psalm 42:3,10, David faced the giant of discouragement and cried out to God; "My tears have been my food day and night...My bones suffer mortal agony as my foes taunt me, saying to me all day long, "Where is your God?"

But after each battle with darkness he reminds himself of the truth. "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 42:11, NIV)


David knew the only way of escaping the slippery slope of discouragement is to look up!

When we realize "OH NO! I kissed a frog!" And our promised prince and fairytale ending doesn't turn out like we envisioned we must reevaluate our surroundings...forget what WE had hoped for...and CLING to the PROMISE of WHAT GOD HAS SAID. Though God's ultimate promises are sometimes delayed, they are ALWAYS fulfilled.

2 Peter 3:9 reminds us that, "The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness." (NIV)

God is the Rock, His works are perfect, and all his ways are just. He is a faithful God who does no wrong, He is upright and just. (Deuteronomy 32:4)


So, if you're facing discouragement today, here are a few simple steps to break-free:

1. Remember, we have a choice: we can wallow in self-pity and flounder in the sea of misery or we can choose to be encouraged.
2. Recall Who You Serve.
3. Hold Fast to What He Promised.
4. Position yourself to receive His strength. Read your Bible. Pray without ceasing.
5. Finally, get up! Put one foot in front of the other...and PRESS ON!

PRAYER: Father, we look to You. You are our hope. You are our life. Fill us to overflowing. We put our trust in You! Thank You for the promise that You will never leave us or forsake us. Thank You that You love us! In Jesus name, amen.