Dealing with Discouragement

Yesterday was one of those days. We’ve all had them. I woke up feeling fine, and was going to make a phone call about possibly getting some new audio equipment. Then the fun began.

My phone fell into my recliner, and in an attempt to find it I moved the recliner and crunched the phone. When I found it I realized it was broken, with the camera hanging off the back of it. While it still kind of worked, I knew I needed a new phone. Off to Xfinity I went, via uber, which of course is a cost, not to mention the cost of the new phone which I definitely wasn’t planning on. By the end of the afternooon I was feeling pretty frustrated, setup was taking longer than I’d like, etc. I then read the commentary from the bridge, our church’s recovery program, and it was about dealing with discouragement. Something I desperately needed. It referenced Psalm 77, which I encourage you to read. The first part of the psalm is all about someone who is doubting God and feeling discouraged. The second part of the psalm is about remembering what god has done. In times of discouragement, it is important not to dwell on ourselves but to fix our eyes upon Jesus. Remember what He has done for all of us by dying on the cross and saving us from our sins. Remember God’s past provisions in times of trial. Remember that contentment is a state of mind rather than a response to getting one more material thing. Let us all be thankful for what we have and give praise to Him, and in so doing defeat discouragement!!