Summary: Frustration / discouragement is the gap between what we expect and what we experience Discouragement always displaces hope. Genesis 29:31-35 (NKJV) This time I will praise the Lord. Joshua 1:9 NJKV The smallest bit of obedience opens heaven. The deepest truths of God immediately become yours. God will never reveal more truth until you have obeyed what you already know. - Oswald Chambers Six Things to Look at When Facing Discouragement 1. Look Back - Rehearse the faithfulness of God - Mark it down and remember it often. Naturally, we are inclined to be so mathematical and calculating that we look upon uncertainty as a bad thing...Certainty is the mark of the common-sense life. To be certain of God means that we are uncertain in all our ways, we do not know what a day may bring forth. This is generally said with a sigh of sadness; it should rather be an expression of breathless expectation. 2. Look Up - When we look up to God, we remind ourselves of who God is… A God who loves us and walks with us through everything. God is a BIG God, and my problems are a lot smaller in light of His greatness. Remind ourselves of His promises - of what He says for us TO DO - be strong and courageous for I am with you and remind ourselves of what He says NOT to do - do not be terrified, do not be discouraged - then He gives you and I a promise, "for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Isaiah 43:2-3 NKJV "You will not be burned! The Lord God is with you!" Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV "For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you, and NOT to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." "Have you been asking God what He is going to do? He will never tell you. God does not tell you what He is going to do; He reveals to you Who He is." - Oswald Chambers 3. Look Out - We can’t stop the Chatterbox from whispering the thoughts but there are things we do that feed it. Discontentment feeds the chatterbox - Gratitude silences it Gratitude in ALL things. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 "In everything give thanks…for this IS God’s will concerning you." LOOK OUT for discontentment and comparison Look out for the things that might be feeding the Chatterbox. 4. Look Beyond - Crash the chatter by looking beyond ourselves & encouraging someone else. 5. Look Around - This is what being in a Connect Group is all about. Finding ways to have people who pray for each other who are there for each other when things are tough. Isolation leads to depression. Loneliness should lead us to connection NOT isolation which can lead to depression, the state of continual discouragement. 6. Look In - Sometimes the only person who can encourage you…is you! While that statement might sound discouraging in itself it is the truth. There are days where only you can decide "THIS TIME I WILL PRAISE THE LORD." You will never cease to be the most amazed person on earth at what God has done for you on the inside. God does not give us overcoming life; He gives us life as we overcome. Speak the Truth with your words - Realize that we have God’s Spirit living on the inside of us and we can use our words AND Scripture to crash the lies of Satan and encourage ourselves. Speak the Truth with Gods Word
