Do not be discouraged

We are told not to be discouraged, over and over again, in God’s word.

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭31‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

In this world, we will always have discouragement.

Our prayers go unanswered.

Unkind words are spoken over us. Illness comes and knocks us off

course.

Your business is not going well.

You are not in the job that you really want.

What  discourages me,may not discourage you.

Discouragement will look differently for each individual person.

I read the other  day, that the biggest weapon that the enemy uses against Christians is discouragement.

The enemy’s tactic is to take our eyes off Jesus and on to the very thing we are discouraged about.

When we choose to stay in an attitude of discouragement, the world looks greyer. Our God becomes smaller, and our surroundings and circumstances may look hopeless.

How then do we NOT  become discouraged?

Or how do we keep ourselves from not being discouraged?

If the enemies weapon of choice is discouragement, then the Holy Spirits armour against this is gratitude.

The enemy hates it when God’s people are thankful, especially in the midst of adversity.

How do we live a thankful life when our bank accounts are empty?

When war is breaking out around us?

When the illness that you’ve prayed for has not been healed? When your family are struggling with chronic mental health?

When you’re feeling isolated? When your heart is breaking with grief?

This is not a case of quoting the verse ‘Rejoice in the Lord, always’ it’s a case of finding something to be thankful for in each day,  in each situation.

It’s not saying “thank you God

I have an illness” it’s saying

“thank you for the kindness of friends who show up when I need them the most.”

It’s not saying “thank you God that I have no money” it’s saying “thank you that I’ve eaten  today.”

Having an attitude of gratitude, changes your perspective on the very thing the enemy wanted you to be discouraged about!

Ann Voskamp wrote a book called One thousand gifts. In her book she  challenges us to write down three things which we are thankful for each day.

I actually practice this for a couple of years. it really helped me to see things differently. Even in the worst days I found something to be thankful for.

When I stopped doing it, my world looked a little duller and I started to look at life through negative glasses instead of thankful ones!!

Jesus always gave thanks to His father.

When he had 5000 hungry people in front of him and only five loaves and two fish he lifted the bread up above him and thanked God for it.

Not only were those 5000 people, well fed, but there were 12 baskets of leftovers.

Giving thanks in this case what was in front of Him more than enough!

A great verse to live by is:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

When we thank God in the midst of discouragement, we have peace.

The photo that goes with this blog is a reminder that beauty can be found everywhere if we only look for it.

Lord thank you for your love.

Thank you for your kindness.

Thank you for your patience.

Thank you that in each new day

I can find beauty. I can find something to be thankful for

Amen