Dave’s Monday Blast – March 11, 2024

Although discouragement and disappointment are normal emotions, believers in Jesus Christ must learn how to keep those debilitating emotions from getting the best of us. Our best must be reserved for service to Him, and to His Image Bearers.

We learn from the Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 3:16 &17  “That all Scripture is God inspired and profitable for …” (Read it now) With this truth in mind, the Lord has provided for us (In the Word) many examples of individuals who exhibited real human emotions as a result of their life circumstances. For Example:

1. Job felt profound, even debilitating discouragment with his wife and friends. They did not get it. In the midst of his suffering and questioning God, they initially tried to be helpful, but they ended up heaping more shame and blame on Job for his afflictions. To gain a perspective of the circumstances in which Job finds himself read chapters 1 & 2. Words would fail in any attempt to describe how Job could possibly feel after all was lost, but then those closest to him completely failed him. We all have experienced times when those we believe should understand how we feel, simply don’t and this disappointment can quickly turn to discouragement.

2. Elijah became discouraged with life’s circumstances. Despite persistent and fervent prayer, things often don’t turn out the way we’d hoped they would. Elijah hoped that after all the miracles the Israelites saw performed on Mount Carmel, Ahab and Jezebel would repent and put God first, but they did not. King Ahab and Jezebel were as stubborn and hard headed as always, and Elijah felt discouraged, exhausted, and told himself that his entire ministry was a waste (1 Kings 19) but of course the threats upon his very life were also very real.

3. Jeremiah felt angry and discouraged when he believed God was against him, and because of that perspective, he temporarily lost hope in God (Lamentations 3). The disciples too felt discouraged after Jesus was crucified and before He rose from the dead. They said, “We were hoping that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel,” (Luke 24:21). They couldn’t see the bigger picture and felt disappointed that Jesus did not fight for His kingdom.

4. Peter felt discouraged with himself when he realized that he wasn’t as courageous as he thought he was. Jesus had warned him that he would deny him, but Peter’s pride kept him from seeing himself clearly (Matthew 26:31 and 74 & 75). We too can feel discouraged and even depressed when we fail to live up to our own or someone else’s expectations.

Next week I want to share some thoughts on steps to take when you feel that black cloud of discouragement begin to swallow you up!