- Psalms 43:1-5 - Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man. For thou art the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me; let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles. Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God. Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
- Romans 6:14 - For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
- Ephesians 2:8-9 - For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
- Psalms 46:1 - God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
The path of faith is not always easy. However, in difficult times, God is our unshakable refuge. What is discouraging you? Sometimes the reason is clear, while other times, it stems from deeper, less visible factors. Some of the causes of discouragement include: Areas of weakness. We may struggle with certain sins for a long time and still face them. This can discourage us. But let us not forget that victory in Christ is possible not through our own strength, but through the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. Unanswered prayers. Sometimes God's answer is "no" or "not yet." This is no reason to lose hope. God answers in His own wisdom and time. A prayerless life. When we fail to understand God's sovereignty and timing, we can fall into discouragement. Turning away from Him only increases despair. Consistent prayer keeps us close to God, the source of our hope. Thinking we cannot please God. This feeling often stems from legalistic thinking. The Bible teaches that we have been accepted by God through grace. We are not trying to earn His love and acceptance through good deeds. Salvation and acceptance are gifts received through faith. This is exactly why we obey Him with gratitude. When you feel discouraged, ask God to fill your heart with His peace and joy. He never forsakes His children.
Reflection
What situation is discouraging you today, and what step can you take to entrust this to God in prayer?