OVERCOMING DISCOURAGEMENT (PART 2), FEBRUARY 23rd, 2025

Posted by on Feb 25, 2025 in Sunday School |

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 Merriam-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 may experience in life. It has also been said that discouragement is one of the most devasting emotions known to man. It comes in different forms since the reasons for discouragement and 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, 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 examine the effects of discouragement and how it can be overcome.

LESSON OBJECTIVES
At the end of this study, we trust God to enable us to know the following:

  1. The effects of discouragement.
  2. The believer’s role towards a discouraged brother/sister.
  3. How we can overcome discouragement.

BIBLE TRUTH:


QUESTION 1) DISCUSS THE EFFECTS OF DISCOURAGEMENT?
The effect of discouragement on an individual is mostly negative and they are numerous. They are both spiritual and physical. From Deut 20:8. We see that God cannot use a discouraged person. Again, in Judges 7:3, we see that 22,000 people were discouraged and returned from going to the battle. It drains out one’s strength and leaves one in a hopeless situation. Other effects include, leading to doubt and unbelief, self-pity, selfishness; it makes one to be withdrawn, keeping away from others; it can make someone to lose guard and fall easily into temptation; it can make someone to talk carelessly about God and the situation. (Num 21:4-5) and pray the wrong prayers. In Num 11:14-15 Moses prayed that God should kill him; Elijah also in 1 Kg 19:10. Discouragement can also result in anger and transfer of aggression and make one to give up; it sometimes does not end with the discouraged person, because such a person discourages others.


QUESTION 2) WHAT IS OUR ROLE TOWARDS A DISCOURAGED BROTHER/SISTER?
The body of Christ is one, so when one aches the wholebody aches (1 Cor.12:12-27). We have a role towards one another. When a brother or a sister is discouraged, we must put ourselves in the shoes of such an individual to offer succor. Brethren should be physically present; we must reach out to such people. The mere presence of the brethren could be lifting. Hence, we must not be self-centered and have “I don’t care” attitude. We must see one another as a constituent of the whole (i.e. the body of Christ) to which we belong. Being there for one another will involve our time, energy, talent, and money in whichever way the demand calls. We should be readily available to bear one another’s burden (Gal.6:2) and pray for such one. We must be ready to expound the word of God by sound teaching to the discouraged. In Neh.4:14, Nehemiah admonished the people to fight for their brothers, sons, and daughters. We must support one another, like Aaron and Hur supported Moses in Ex.17:10-12.

QUESTION 3) USING THE FOLLOWING POINTS DISCUSS IN PRACTICAL TERMS HOW WE CAN OVERCOME DISCOURAGEMENT?
We must realize that circumstances (Rom 8:35, 38-39), people (Matt.10:36, 2Cor.11:26, Ps 25:19), problems (1 Thess.3:3-4; Phil.4:12-13) could discourage an individual if they are allowed. The following are some of the ways we can overcome discouragement.

  1. Encourage yourself in the Lord. 1 Sam.30:16, Ps.31:4. 1Kg 19:1-3. Like David, in the midst of any challenge, we should refuse to be discouraged. The first point of call is not search for external solution but to reach inward based on our relationship with the Lord to encourage ourselves.
  2. Meditate on God’s deeds. Phil 4:8. To overcome discouragement, always see God’s ability. We must think about the past, how God had showed himself strong on our behalf and His may interventions. Be thankful and see beyond the present to the future and how God is able to do that only Him can do. The testimony/evidence of the good things God had done in the past and the un-quantified blessings are a boost to overcoming discouragement whenever it arises.
  3. Resist the devil. James 4:7. Until discouragement is resisted, it will always want to walk its way into one’s life, but as stated in James 4:7, it should be resisted because it is the work of the devil.
  4. Take it to the Lord in prayers Matt.7:7, Phil 4:6. Believers must imbibe Phil.4:6 as a watch word. Anxiety brings discouragement, but the word of God cautions that we must not be anxious about anything but with thanksgiving present our request to God in prayer. To overcome discouragement, prayer is a veritable tool that must be emphasized.
  5. Be joyful Phil 4:4. “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice”. Maintaining a joyful state is one of the ways to overcome discouragement. Isaiah 12:3 says, “with joy, you will draw water from the well of salvation”. Joy gives inner strength. It is the joy of the Lord that is our strength, Nehemiah 8:10. This joy is not dependent on material things, but it is the joy that springs from the Holy Spirit. Hence in the midst of challenges, the believer can still smile because of the reassurance by the Holy Ghost, the ultimate source of joy.
  6. Focus on God. 2 Chron. 20:12. A sure way to overcome discouragement is to set our focus on God. There is no one whose eyes are on God that is left to see shame. Ps.34:5. When we go through challenges and discouraging times, it is necessary to keep our hearts and eyes on God. Total dependence on God as our source for our daily needs can alienate so much discouragement Matt.6:11; Psalm.23.
  7. Don’t give up. Keep trying Ecc.11:4-6. We can overcome discouragement by refusing to give up. We must however ensure God is involved; then when we keep trying, the light will surely shine again at the end of the dark tunnel. Perseverance is a Christian virtue that should be encouraged.
  8. Learn to endure hardship. 2 Tim 2:3. Says, “Thou therefore endures hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ”. We must bear this in mind if we are to overcome discouragement. The believer must take cue from our master Jesus who endured the cross, despising the shame. (Heb.12:2).
  9. Share the burden/seek counsel. Prov.11:14, 24:6. The place of godly counsel is also important in overcoming discouragement. Discouragement can be overcome when we talk it over with the right people. Prayerfully identify the right person and share the burden with him/her.
  10. Do not forsake the assembly of the brethren. Heb 10:25; Prov.27:17. Discouraging times are not time to abandon fellowship but time to crave and desire God’s presence. The burden could just be lifted in and during fellowship with others. Spend time with those that will lift your spirit. In doing this, we obtain strength from God, it is a time to let go of our worries and let God have His way.
  11. Spend your time in things that have eternal value. There is an internal satisfaction that comes from doing the will of the Master, especially when we know there is an eternal reward. Doing the work of God brings us joy and is an antidote for discouragement (1 Kg.19:15-17).
  12. Evangelize. As you talk to others about God’s love and ability to deliver, your own burden gets lifted.
  13. Do not be afraid, choose faith over fear. Prov.28:1. Fear is a tool in the hand of the devil to make us get discouraged. We should remember that God has not given us the spirit of fear. (2Tim 1:7). Therefore, we should be as bold as lion, bold in our faith as we depend on God to overcome.
  14. The word of God is the sure way to overcome discouragement. There is a word in Scriptures for every situation, including our moments of discouragement.
  15. Guard your heart Prov 4:23. Discouragement comes from the heart. We must set boundaries on the things we allow into our minds and be quick to delete and/or shut the door against any thought that will bring discouragement. We must discipline our minds to focus on God and not the problem.

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: Encourage yourself in the Lord. Ps.31:4; 1Sam.30:16; 1King.19:1-3.
TUE: Take it to God in prayers. Matt.7:7; Phil.4:6.
WED: Resist the devil. James 4:7.
THU: Rejoice in the Lord. Isa.12:3; Neh.8:10; Phil.4:4.
FRI: Share the burden/Seek counsel. Prov. 11:14; 24:6.
SAT: Do not abandon fellowship. Prov.27:17; Heb.10:25.