Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again—my Savior and my God! – Psalm 42:11 NLT
Discouragement is something everyone experiences. Even Billy Graham once said, “The Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep discouragement. I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes, and say, ‘O God, forgive me,’ or ‘Help me.’”
For the first ten years of our marriage, my wife and I struggled with infertility. As we looked at all the couples around us who seemed to have children effortlessly, we felt discouraged. Are you going through a season of discouragement right now?
Maybe you’re discouraged about your relationship with your spouse, and it seems like things will never change. Perhaps you’re depressed about the choices your children are making and worry about their future. Maybe you’re discouraged about your weight and feel like you’ll never be able to get healthy. No matter what’s causing you to feel discouraged, there is a way through it. In today’s verse, the psalmist offers us three ways to overcome discouragement in our lives.
1. Discover what is at the root of your sadness. “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad?” Most people can point to what is causing them to feel discouraged, but few take the time to go below the surface to uncover why they feel depressed. Once you understand the why behind your discouragement, you can deal with it effectively.
2. Shift your focus onto Christ. “I will put my hope in God!” The more you focus on something, the more power it has in your life. As you take steps to overcome discouragement, keep your eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1-2). The more you focus on your Savior, the less discouraged you’ll feel about your situation.
3. Rest in God’s care. “I will praise Him again—my Savior and my God!” Are you feeling tired and worn out from everything that’s on your plate? Give it to your Heavenly Father. Let Him carry what you can’t. (Psalm 55:22)
All of us face circumstances that can leave us feeling discouraged. That’s life. However, when you choose to discover the root cause, refocus on Christ, and rest in God’s care, you’ll be better equipped to overcome any sadness that comes your way.
Dig Deeper
1. What are you feeling discouraged about right now? Why do you think this is causing you to feel depressed?
2. How can you give that discouragement over to your Heavenly Father?
