DISCOURAGEMENT: CAUSES AND CURE

TRETS 12/10/2017

DISCOURAGEMENT:        CAUSES AND CURE

Text: Numbers 11. 4-15, 1 Kings 19. 1-4.

Discouragement is a state of total loss of courage in man. It is called by many names such as distress, depression and hopelessness. It makes the individual to lose interest in everything around and sometimes becomes so hopeless to live. It can come to anybody irrespective of class or status. In scriptures, we can see David, Moses, Elijah, Jonah, The Apostles and many other men of God been depressed and discouraged at one time or the other. In our text, Moses and Elijah, having done great things for the Lord came to discouragement. The lessons in this for today’s believers is that whenever you find yourself in positions of discouragement and distress, always remember that some heroes of faith had experienced such condition before and they overcame by the mercy of God. This same God is still alive and much able to deliver everyone who calls upon His name today.

Common Causes of Discouragement. 1 Kings 19.10, Num. 32. 6-7, Jonah 4. 1-3, Proverbs 13.12, Gen. 21. 15-16, Num. 21.4

Always remember that the Devil is happy when discouragement comes to God’s people. No matter how fervent a believer is, he looks at the lowest point in his spiritual life to sow the seed of discouragement. Discouragement could be diagnosed through the expressions of an individual both in speech, in facial appearance and also in actions. These indices are actually the expression of a depressed heart showing loss of hope, loss of ability and loss of confidence to face the challenge of the present time and future or simple loss of appetite to live. This is often caused by some of the following factors: (i) Loss of fellowship with God and His immediate plans for the hour. When secular work and endeavors make a Christian to lose his quiet time and consistent prayer with God, the believer loses touch with God momentarily, it may seem as if God was far away (Songs 5.6), (ii) Isolation and loneliness from fellow believers. Elijah was so far from other prophets that he didn’t know there are others preserved by God (1 Kings 19.10, Num. 32. 6-7), (iii) Deviation from God’s divine plan or God’s will (Jonah 4. 1-3), (iv) Delay in answer to prayers, disappointments or past failures (Proverbs 13.12) (v) Fatigue, over-work, or seemingly difficult task ahead (Neh. 4. 10-11), (vi) Walking by sight and not by faith (Num 32.9, Num. 21.4), (vii) Fear of the unknown (Gen. 21. 15-16)

Complete Cure from Discouragement. 1 Kings 19. 5-8, Num. 11. 15-16,

God always come to the rescue of his discouraged children particularly when they call upon Him. God loves us, and care for us even more than we think we do for ourselves. Therefore, He sent an angel to Elijah to feed him and to succor him. To Moses, God Himself empowered people and raised supports for his ministry. To David, he gave an assurance of total recovery. However, the following are steps to be taken to recover fully from discouragements. (i) Always maintain your regular fellowship with the Lord, through quiet time and personal prayers. (ii) Grow in your relationship with God seeking God’s voice and communications, (iii) understand that you belong to God and nothing evil can happen to you except God permits it, and He cannot allow it because He loves you (iv) Walk by faith and always in obedience to His will and His word (v) Maintain only faithful and courageous companions who can lift you up when you are spiritually down (Prov. 27.17), (vi) spend quality time to read, meditate upon God’s words and select His promises for the discouraged, (vii) Allow God to direct your ways, and surrender to His ultimate plans for your life (Jeremiah 29.11).

Comfort and Confidence for the Discouraged. 1 Sam. 30. 18-19, Phil. 4.6, Ps. 27.1-6, Ps 5.1-3. Ps. 121. 1-6, Ps. 56. 1-4, Rom. 8. 31-39

Total comfort and courage from discouragements can only come from the Almighty God. The Psalmist knew this and prayed to God in his distressed. God didn’t just answer him; He made him to recover everything he had lost. This same God is still alive today. Always remember, If you want to be disgraced, look down, if you want to be discouraged, look forward, if you want to be defeated look backwards, if you want to be disappointed look around, but if you want to be delivered, look up for there is a God in Heaven who never fail, sleep nor slumber. From God comes help and hope, from Him comes supports and strength, from Him comes provisions and providence, and from Him comes protection and preservation. All we need is to trust in His promises and cast our burdens upon Him. Here are some promises for believers encouragement for all times: Blessings in the Journey of Life (Gen 26:24, Nu 21:34, Jg 6:23), Supplies in times of Famine (1Ki 17:13), Protection in Peril (2Ki 6:16), Strength in Weakness (Isa 41:10), Companionship in Trial (Isa 43:1 – 3), Overshadowing Care (Mt 10:30-31), Life Beyond the Grave (Re 1:17-18). He will surely send instant help in times of your troubles in Jesus name.