Defeat Discouragement

You can defeat discouragement! Everyone faces discouragement at some point in their life. The Bible tells us Nehemiah faced opposition and could have easily become discouraged. Not doing anything or giving up was an option for Nehemiah. He choose to go to the Lord God for guidance as he faced opposition.

Are you discouraged?

Nehemiah 1:4 tells us that when Nehemiah heard the news that the wall of Jerusalem was broken and the gates burned, that he prayed. He was distraught. In sorrow he prayed to the Lord, asking him to be attentive to his prayer.

Nehemiah was the king’s cupbearer. The king could see that Nehemiah had a sorrowful heart, when he brought his drink. Our burdens and sorrows may not be visible to others, but they are real. The burden you carry is always visible to the Lord. The Lord knew the burden that Nehemiah carried was great. Nehemiah was not alone. The Lord had a plan and was using Nehemiah for a greater purpose. Often, we cannot see beyond the here and now. The future looks dreary. The Lord can see the whole picture, not the small piece that we are looking at. He has a plan and will help us carry our burden.

The king gave Nehemiah supplies and the okay to rebuild the city. Nehemiah went outside the city and viewed the broken down walls. At one place even the animal he rode on could not go through. He could have said “this is hopeless” and given in to discouragement. Instead, he gathered people together and encouraged them. As humans in times of sorrow we want to feel sorry for ourselves. We are not the only person who carries a burden. Gather together with others and encourage one another in the Lord.

Nehemiah continued to face opposition and ridicule. He did not give in to discouragement, but took the problems to the Lord in prayer. The Lord heard and helped Nehemiah. Jerusalem’s broken walls were repaired and the people strengthened and encouraged by trusting in the Lord.

When you are feeling discouraged: