(Discouragement!, continued from page 5)

Discouragement is a mental paralysis. Satan knows that the discouraged man is not a man who will accomplish great things.

2) What are the consequences of discouragement?

Unfortunately, we do not emerge from periods of discouragement unscathed. Discouragement hurts us and sometimes permanently scars us. Here are four areas that are directly impacted by discouragement.

First, discouragement causes poor health. Emotional stress affects the body, mind and disposition. It affects the body as much as a physical illness, and often leads to clinical depression, which then can lead to both mental and physical illness.

Second, discouragement causes failure with your job. It may not lead to being fired (although that is a possibility), but in poor work performance. Let’s face it. When we are discouraged we do not approach our jobs with the energy and enthusiasm that we normally would.

Third, discouragement causes failure with our families. Our mates need attention, encouragement, nurturing, etc. So do our children. Yet a discouraged person is not up to reaching out to others. He/she is consumed with self. A prolonged state of discouragement can damage the marriage relationship and it can alienate us from our children.

Fourth, discouragement causes failure with God. Frequently a discouraged person does not feel like attending worship, and so attendance suffers. Or if he comes, his discouragement keeps him from fully engaging in the act of worship. In addition, discouragement hinders service to God, personal study as well as one’s prayer life. It can eventually lead to the loss of one’s soul (Genesis 4:6, 7).

3) How does one defeat discouragement?

Discouragement does not have to be common place in our lives. We can defeat it. But it requires a plan of attack. Here are some suggestions on defeating discouragement:

First, recognize that all have discouragements. You are not the only one with problems. When we get caught in the “Elijah syndrome” we are in serious trouble. Others have reason to be discouraged. They face many similar struggles we do (perhaps even more severe) yet manage to keep themselves on track. This should provide motivation for us.

Second, fill mind with positive thoughts (Philippians 4:4-8) followed with positive actions (Philippians 2:13; 4:13). Our minds are completely under our control. We must make sure that we fill those minds with constructive, optimistic thoughts. It is up to us, with God’s help, to “renew our minds” (Romans 12:1-2).

Third, realize that pain, heartache, suffering and failure can produce some positive results: (1) Makes us sensitive to our sin (Psalm 32:4, 5); (2) Remind us of our position (Daniel 4:30-33); (3) Refine and strengthen our character (Romans 5:2-5; James 1:2-3); (4) Make us more appreciative of God’s grace (Psalm 34:19; 147:3); (5) Enable us to help and comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:3,4; Hebrews 9:15).

Fourth, recognize your own value and accept yourself. You have to see yourself as God sees you. How does God see you? As someone that He loves so much that He would give up His Son in death for you (John 3:16). The sin of covetousness is where we are constantly focusing on what others have. We learn to be content with what we have and what we are (1 Timothy 6:6).

Fifth, look in the right places for peace. Peace is not found in (a) Pleasure (2 Timothy 3:4; 1 Timothy 5:6; Ecclesiastes 2:1, 2); (b) Material things (Ecclesiastes 4:8; 5:10; Rev. 3:17; 1 Timothy 6:9,10; Luke 12:15), or (c) worldly knowledge, power, or accomplishments from one’s own hands. It is found only in Christ (John 14:1-6, 27; Philippians 4:6). The fact is, when we do what is right it will bring a level of peace into our lives (Philippians 2:12).

Sometimes we do not even realize how much discouragement has controlled us and negatively affected our lives. It is imperative that we tap into God’s power, renew our minds and focus on the joys of being a Christian.

Remember, happiness is a choice.

Denny Petrillo
(Pres., Bear Valley Bible Institute Denver, CO)