Archive for the ‘ Discouragement ’ Category

VerseD: 2 Corinthians 4:7-9

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;
2 CORINTHIANS 4:7‭-‬9, NASB

God has chosen to dwell in us by the Holy Spirit. The world hates God, but we know He ultimately wins. Do not fear the world.

VerseD: Psalm 23:4

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
Psalms 23:4, NASB

We will face problems in this life. Sometimes they are inflicted on us by others, and sometimes they are a result of our sinful choices. In all, God is in control and uses them to discipline and lead us to His final, eternal comfort.

VerseD: Psalm 94:19

When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.
Psalm 94:19, ESV

Sometimes we encounter difficulties in life that weigh on us.

God’s promises and encouragement can make the burden lighter and bring joy.

VerseD: James 1:12

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12, ESV

Temptations, persecution, mocking, and struggles and worries will come our way. If we trust God and hold firm, they may not touch us, or they will bring us to Him all the quicker. Either way, they will not stop us!

VerseD: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
2 Corinthians 1:3‭-‬4, NASB

God does allow us to go through pain and problems so that we are able to share the comfort He has given us with others.

VerseD: Galatians 6:2

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2, ESV

The best way to love your neighbor is to walk with them through life’s struggles.

VerseD: Isaiah 26:9

My soul yearns for you in the night; my spirit within me earnestly seeks you. For when your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.
Isaiah 26:9 ESV

Do you yearn for and earnestly seek the Lord?

One of the reasons we see unpleasant things happen in this world is that He allows or even orchestrates them for our righteousness.

Case in point: Jesus was born to die on a cross.

VerseD: Romans 8:37

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
Romans 8:37 ESV

Do not be deceived.

We are not promised victory in all of our endeavors. We are promised victory over sin, sadness, and unforgiveness and fear as we encounter temptation, troubles, and persecution.

VerseD: James 1:2-3

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
James 1:2‭-‬3, ESV

Most problems are not strictly attacks from the Devil. Rather, some are testing of our faith, some are discipline to help us grow, and some are merely our own actions.

Learn and grow through all of them (even the devil attacks).

VerseD: Psalm 42:11

Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God.
Psalm 42:11, ESV

Praising God is the best way to get out of a funk of depression, worry/anxiety, confusion, and fear.

Hope in God, your salvation.