The Enemy of Hope is Discouragement

The enemy of your soul has no shortage of ways to create havoc in your life.  Fear, calamity, doubt, shame, illness, lies … the list goes on. But his most powerful weapon is discouragement.

Last week I was passed over for a big speaking job that I really wanted. I thought I had a good shot at it. I was qualified and available. My fee range was well within their honorarium budget. It was easy driving distance to the venue. I had a great rapport with the event planner. But, I didn’t get the gig. Someone else will be speaking there next year.

Ugh. The disappointment.

For the rest of the day, I was down in the dumps. I couldn’t engage with other potential clients via phone or email. Who would hire me? was the recording playing in my head. I even had writer’s block. But then, who would read my stuff anyway? I thought to myself. I tried to cheer up, but the discouragement was overwhelming. Does that kind of discouragement ever fall on you? 

I’m confident that discouragement is our enemy’s favorite tactic to disable us.

Once we’re discouraged, we don’t need to be tempted, or deceived or attacked. Discouragement depletes your energy, self-confidence and stamina. Discouragement can be so oppressive, you don’t even want to try to find your way out. We are out of commission until we find our way back to the the face of God and his truth about us. 

Can I get an amen? If that happens to you, here is how you can find your way back to hope. 

• Remember God loves you more than your enemy hates you. 1 John 4:4
• Stand firm. Your problems are not bigger than your God. Is. 41:10
• Believe God has a good plan for you and it can’t be thwarted. Jer. 29:11
• Trust that God hears your prayers and will answer them. 1 John 5:14
• Know that thanking God chases off discouragement and it’s owner. Ps. 100:4-5

If you find yourself discouraged because of losing out or being left out or not being lifted out, remember you’re not alone. It’s okay to lament the disappointment. But don’t let discouragement take up residence for long. Have a good snot cry and take a nap, then press into God. Galatians 6:9

Reach out to God and he will rescue you from that devil discouragement so you can get on with the all the great things He has for you to do. 

Scripture Refresher:  When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. Psalm 34:17-19

Prayer: Father, find me in the depths of my discouragement and draw me near to you. Let me find  fresh hope in your word, your presence and your people. Strengthen me, fortify me, remind me of my position in your kingdom. Amen.