Are you feeling Discouraged?
Discouragement is a disease unique to human beings, and it's universal -
eventually everyone gets it, including those in ministry.
WHAT CAUSES DISCOURAGEMENT?
#1 Cause - FATIGUE
When you are physically or emotionally exhausted, you are a prime candidate
to be infected with discouragement. Your defenses are lowered and things
can seem bleaker than they really are. This often occurs when you are
halfway through a major project and you get tired.
#2 Cause - FRUSTRATION
When unfinished tasks pile up, it's natural to feel overwhelmed. And when
trivial matters or the unexpected interrupt you and prevent you from
accomplishing what you really need to do, your frustration can easily
produce discouragement.
#3 Cause - FAILURE
Sometimes, your best laid plans fall apart -- the project collapses -- the
deal falls through -- no one shows up to the event. How do you react? Do
you give in to self-pity? Do you blame others? As one man said, "Just when
I think I can makes ends meet -- somebody moves the ends! That's
discouraging!
#4 Cause - FEAR
Fear is behind more discouragement than we'd like to admit. The fear of
criticism (What will they think?); the fear of responsibility (What if I
can't handle this?); and the fear of failure (What if I blow it?) can
cause a major onset of the blues.
WHAT'S THE CURE FOR DISCOURAGEMENT?
There's a fascinating story in the Bible about how a guy named Nehemiah
mobilized the residents of Jerusalem to build a wall around the entire
city. Half way through the project, the citizens became discouraged and
wanted to give up -- because of the FOUR causes I've given.
Here's what Nehemiah taught about defeating discouragement (Nehemiah 4):
REST YOUR BODY
If you need a break -- take one! You'll be more effective when you return
to work. If you're burning the candle at both ends, you're not as bright
as you think!
REORGANIZE YOUR LIFE
Discouragement doesn't necessarily mean you are doing the wrong thing. It
may just be that you are doing the right thing in the wrong way. Try a new
approach. Shake things up a little.
REMEMBER GOD WILL HELP YOU
Just ask Him. He can give you new energy. There is incredible motivating
power in faith.
RESIST THE DISCOURAGEMENT
Fight back! Discouragement is a choice. If you feel discouraged, it's
because you have chosen to feel that way. No one is forcing you to feel bad.
Hang on! Do what's right in spite of your feelings. No feeling lasts
forever.