CENTRAL THOUGHT
Guard your heart and refuse to be discouraged.
TEXT: 1 SAM 30:1-8, 2 COR.11:23-33
INTRODUCTION:
Discouragement according to Mariam-Webster dictionary is the feeling of having lost hope or confidence. It has also been defined as the loss of motivation to press forward. It is one of the situations that we experience in life. It has been said that discouragement is one of the most devastating emotions known to man. It comes in different forms since the reasons for discouragement situations differ for people, though there are common features that result in discouragement. It is a tool of the devil (2 Cor 2:11). Any form/means by which discouragement comes and how it is handled is very important. If discouragement is not properly handled like the withering effect of a scorching wind, it can leave us weak, helpless, and fruitless. In this study, we shall identify some of the causes of discouragement and biblical ways of handling them.
LESSON OBJECTIVES
At the end of this study, we trust God to enable us know the following:
1. What discouragement is
2. The causes of discouragement
3. Lessons from some biblical characters on how they handled discouragement
BIBLE TRUTH:
QUESTION 1) WHAT IS DISCOURAGEMENT?Discouragement is one attribute of life experienced by most persons. At different stages man may face one form of discouragement or another. In any manner and form discouragement presents itself, it leaves one with a feeling of hopelessness and lack of confidence.Discouragement does not come from God. The devil is the source of all discouragement. No man is above discouragement. Discouragement reveals man’s weakness and brings him into a realization of the need to seek strength from God.Believers may also experience discouragement. The words in John 16:33 are apt. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world”. These were Jesus’ comforting words to the church. As long as we live in this world, we experience discouraging moments in one way or the other. No man is immune to being discouraged, so the believer needs to know how to handle/manage the situation when it arises.
QUESTION 2) WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS THAT CAN CAUSE DISCOURAGEMENT?
EXO.2:23, ACTS 27:20, 1 PET.5:8, JUDGES 6:11-15,
PROV.13:12, NUM.13:31-33.
The causes of discouragement are many. The Bible is not silent on the causes of discouragement; some of which are mentioned below.
-The bondage experienced by Israel in Egypt discouraged them, and they cried to God (Ex.2:23)
-The evil report brought by the 10 spies made Israel panic in Num.13:31-33 and brought discouragement. Joshua and Caleb saw Israel as overcomers because their God had given them the land.
-Gideon was discouraged by the oppression of the
Midianites and gave his poor background as reasons why he felt he was unqualified to deliver the people. (Judges 6:11-15).
-Hopelessness, ‘unanswered prayers’, stress and difficult life situations can result in discouragement (Prov.13:12).
-Other common causes of discouragement include illness, financial loss/misfortune. Lack and want (inability to provide the basic needs of feeding, clothing, and housing), abandonment/feeling of loneliness due to lack of love, and care, loss/death of a loved one, setbacks, lack of loyalty/support from people being led etc.
It should be always noted that, our enemy the devil is the major cause of discouragement with the sole aim of making us focus on the problem and thereby lose our faith in God.
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION:Believers must recognize they are not immune from discouragement. It is an experience that individuals go through at different stages and levels in life. We must refuse to be discouraged even if life appears to turn against our will, prayers, and efforts. Remember, we have God in heaven that will hold our hands and lead us through even in the darkest night. Therefore, there is no need to worry, be calm, God is in charge.
MEMORY VERSE:
JOHN 16:33
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
MON: Christians also experience discouraging moments. John 16:33.
TUE: Overcoming discouragement. 1 Sam 30:16; Ps 31:4.
WED: Overcoming discouragement. Heb 10:25, 2 Chron.20:12
THU: Causes of discouragement. Exo.2:23, Acts 27:20, 1 Pet 5:8.
FRI: The role of brethren towards a discouraged brother/sister. Gal.6:2.
SAT: The effects of discouragement. Deut.20:8 and Judges 7:3.