God knows what we are going through when we grieve, and He wants to assure us of His love and concern. He also wants us to turn to Him and bring our heartaches and burdens to Him. Billy Graham

Discouragement

Fear not, for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand..
Isaiah 41:10

 

In 539 BC, when Cyrus of Persia defeated the Babylonian Empire, he allowed the Jewish captives to return to their own land but some of them remained and played an integral part in the Persian Empire.

 

It was during this time that Nehemiah heard that the walls of Jerusalem were broken down and the gates were burned with fire. He was greatly discouraged and wept and prayed before the God of heaven.

 

All of us experience discouragement at different times of our lives. We may be going through a serious health issue, or trying to deal with a work related problem. Sometimes a difficult family situation or the death of a loved one can also cause us to be discouraged.

 

In times like these, we need to remember to turn to God for guidance and strength. Like Nehemiah, we need to voice our feelings and cry out to Him, trusting Him to meet our every need.

 

It may also be beneficial to seek the advice and counsel of a trusted brother or sister. Nehemiah was able to tell the king about his sorrow and God used the king’s power to pave the way for Nehemiah to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the city’s walls.

 

In dealing with discouragement, it is also important to identify its source or cause. It may be an attack from the enemy or perhaps we have  fallen because we have been too proud and over confident of our own abilities. In other instances, we may not have enough confidence, being too fearful to take the first step.

 

Whatever the reason is that we are feeling discouraged, let us turn our eyes and focus back on Jesus, moving forward with the assurance of His Word. Let us confess and proclaim the promises that God has given us, trusting that He will fulfil His every word and bring to pass all that He has promised.

 

Dear Lord,

I thank You that I can come to You because You are close to the broken hearted. I cast all my burdens on You and trust in Your strength alone to uphold me. May Your peace and joy surround me as I seek to walk in Your presence. Amen.
God bless you,
Theo and Manju