Discouragement is an inevitable part of life that we all face at some point. It can stem from various sources – difficulties in our circumstances, challenges in relationships, failures in pursuit of goals, or even attacks from the enemy to diminish our zeal and joy. Discouragement weighs down our spirit and can hinder us from moving forward in faith. But the Bible offers hope, truth and strategies for overcoming seasons of discouragement. Fundamentally, abiding in Christ is the key to rising above any discouragement that comes our way.
Recognize the source of discouragement
The first step in overcoming discouragement is to discern where it’s originating from. Oftentimes discouragement comes from difficult circumstances that are out of our control. The loss of a job, a strained relationship, financial pressures, or health challenges can understandably discourage us. We see examples of this with Moses as he carried the burden of leading the stubborn and grumbling Israelites through the wilderness (Numbers 11:10-15), Job after experiencing tragic losses and illness (Job 3:11, 20-26), and Elijah as he fled from Jezebel after the exhausting Mount Carmel episode (1 Kings 19:4).
Other times, discouragement emerges from our own shortcomings and failures. We may be discouraged by not achieving a goal we had worked hard for, failing to overcome a stubborn sin, or feeling like we are inadequate in serving the Lord. Peter was discouraged when he denied knowing Jesus three times after boldly proclaiming his loyalty (Luke 22:54-62). The author of Hebrews urged his readers not to be discouraged from spiritual “dullness” but to press on in faith (Hebrews 5:11-6:3). And David often cried out to the Lord for deliverance when his own sin caused him anguish (Psalm 38, Psalm 51).
We also need to be alert to times when discouragement comes from demonic attacks seeking to derail our faith or ministry. Paul urged believers in Ephesus to put on God’s spiritual armor to stand against the “flaming darts of the evil one” (Ephesians 6:10-16), implying discouragement can be spiritually inspired. At times, rebuking spiritual attack in Jesus’ name may be part of the remedy against unjustified discouragement.
While the sources of discouragement may differ, we can take every thought captive and find hope in Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).
Gospel truths that counter discouragement
Discouragement often flows from believing lies—about ourselves, our circumstances, or God Himself. Combating these lies with gospel truths is essential. Some key truths include:
- God is sovereign and lovingly works all things for our growth in Christ (Romans 8:28-29). He has not abandoned us.
- Our true identity and worth is in Christ, not our achievements (Philippians 3:8-9). We are completely loved and accepted by God through Christ (Ephesians 1:3-6).
- God’s grace is sufficient for us in all circumstances (2 Corinthians 12:9). His power works through our weaknesses.
- This world is not our home, our hope is eternal (1 Peter 1:3-9). The trials we face are momentary afflictions producing glory.
- The Holy Spirit empowers us with courage, faith, power, and perseverance (2 Timothy 1:7-8, Galatians 5:22-23).
- God promises to complete the work He began in our lives (Philippians 1:6). Our discouragement will not change His faithfulness.
Meditating on these truths renews our mind and frees us from downward spirals of discouraged thinking.
Evaluate thought patterns and refocus thinking
In addition to countering lies with truth, overcoming discouragement requires adjusting our thought patterns. Discouragement often takes root when we obsess over problems, magnify failures, imagine worst case scenarios, or constantly compare ourselves to others. These distorted thought habits can overwhelm our perspective.
We can fight against distorted thinking through prayerful evaluation and refocusing our thoughts. Paul instructed the Philippians to dwell on whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, praiseworthy – focusing on these virtues would guard their hearts and minds (Philippians 4:8). Peter encouraged scattered believers to be “self-controlled and alert” in resisting the enemy (1 Peter 5:8). As we become aware of discouraged thinking, we can make the choice to dwell on things that are uplifting, true, and hopeful.
Express candidly to God and trustworthy people
Rather than bottling up discouragement, we can fight against it by openness and honesty before God and trusted believers. The Psalms are full of David’s raw, uncensored cries to God regarding his heartaches – we see his faith strengthened as he pours out his soul. Hannah was distraught from being barren but “poured out her soul” to the Lord and left her burden with Him (1 Samuel 1:15). The apostle Paul candidly shared his hardship and disappointments with other believers, knowing they could comfort him through prayer (2 Corinthians 1:8-11). Voicing our frustrations can release their grip over us.
As we voice discouragement, we also open the door for godly counsel and encouragement from others. Fellow believers who have endured trials of their own can often provide the hope and perspective we lack (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). The body of Christ is designed to build up and restore downcast members (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
Persevere through spiritual disciplines
discourage Often the last thing we feel like doing in seasons of discouragement is engaging in spiritual disciplines. But consistently abiding in the Word, prayer, worship, fellowship, and service counteracts the downward pull of discouragement. David repeatedly cried out to God in the Psalms for deliverance from distress. Jesus modeled concerted prayer when facing the cross (Luke 22:39-46). Singing praise to God has amazing power to lift our spirits when discouraged (Psalm 13:6, Psalm 42:5, Acts 16:25).
The consistent practice of Bible study, Scripture memory, prayer and worship keeps our focus on the transcendent. Serving others gets our eyes off ourselves. The spiritual disciplines connect us to the true source of hope, strength and purpose – Christ himself. They revive our hearts when discouragement clouds our vision.
Take courage – God is able!
As we implement these biblical strategies – recognizing the source of discouragement, countering with gospel truth, adjusting our thinking, expressing honesty to God and others, and persevering through spiritual disciplines – our faith in Christ is renewed. We gain courage to keep believing God and moving forward despite opposition. We are reminded that our discouragement is not the end of the story.
Paul described being “afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). Why? Because of the surpassing power and faithfulness of God at work in our lives. He who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it (Philippians 1:6).
May we run the race with perseverance, fixing our eyes on Christ (Hebrews 12:1-3). He knows our weaknesses, fatigue and pain. His perfect love casts out our fear and discouragement (1 John 4:18). He will renew our strength when we feel ready to quit (Isaiah 40:31). With Christ as our hope, joy and confidence, we can overcome any discouragement that comes our way.