OVERCOMING DISCOURAGEMENT

Text: Joshua 1:1-9

Introduction

Life is a package of challenges. To every challenge we encounter comes the possibility of being discouraged. Discouragement is a language of the mind Prov. 18:14. Success in most cases is victory over discouragement, the reason God instructed Joshua repeatedly to be strong and be courageous.

Synonyms: Discouragement is synonymous to
(i) fainting 2 Cor. 4:1; Gal. 6:9
(ii) Faithlessness: Numbers 11:4-6;
(iii) Looking back: Luke 9:62, Luke 17:32, Heb. 10:38
(iv) Fearfulness: Ps. 78:9

God does not want us to be discouraged, no matter the pressure or challenges we face. Discouragement gives the devil platform to operate. Discouragement is an affirmation of one’s failure. Discouragement could be expressed through murmuring, complain, withdrawal, rejection and negative confession.

Causes of Discouragement

  1. Delayed promises Prov. 13:12
  2. Disappointment from unexpected quarters Ps. 55:12-14
  3. When your effort is not bringing the required or expected result Luke 5:2-5, Hag. 1:6
  4. Loneliness and rejection 1 Kings 19:14 Job 9:32-35
  5. Monotony Numbers 11:4-6
  6. Comparing yourself with others 2 Cor 10:12
  7. When God refuses to speak Job 23:8-9

Effect of Discouragement

  1. It could lead to backsliding John 6:60-66
  2. It could lead to suicide e.g. Elijah 1 Kings 19:3,4
  3. It gives room for satanic influence and failure.
  4. It could bring God’s judgment Gen 19:26
  5. It gives room for other works of the flesh Gal. 5:19-20

Resisting Discouragement

Discouragement is a stronghold in the mind 2 Cor. 10:3-5 which must be pulled down.

  1. Weapon of the word of God Eph. 6:17, Heb. 4:12
  2. Encourage yourself in the Lord 1 Sam. 30:6
  3. Learn to reject the lies of the devil.
  4. Get godly counsel and develop good relationship burden shared is half solved.
  5. Renew your mind with the word of God Rom. 12:1-2
  6. Polish your vision afresh 2 Cor. 4:1

Conclusion

We walk by faith, not by sight. Discouragement is a product from the devil, if accepted would give the enemy right over our life. We must learn to revive our soul like David (Ps. 42:5,11) and refuse discouragement with our confession Ps. 27:13.

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