Be Encouraged
These can be discouraging times. It seems that everywhere one looks there is something to be discouraged about - choices people make, moral failures, brokenness, division, finger pointing, suffering, bad news after bad news, pressures, deadlines, etc. These are some of the most discouraging times I have ever encountered - if I let them.
It raises the question of whether discouragement is actually a choice we make. We cannot control our circumstances, but we can control our response to them. We can decide where we will turn when times are tough, when we have more questions than answers, more barriers than opportunities.
Prayer is one of the greatest gifts God has given us, and prayer is one of the greatest weapons we have against discouragement.
Recently, I have been challenged to approach prayer in a different way in the midst of what could be discouraging circumstances. Here is how I am learning to pray.
Father God, You are in control; this did not catch you by surprise.
I know you are here with me. You promised.
I know You love me, and I know You won’t let me down!
You will always be there to help me.
Everything will be all right because You are at work.
Guide me through this time. I trust You.
In the Name of Jesus who is always with me, Amen
This prayer is one that can chase away the darkness of discouragement. Here it is broken down bit by bit…
Father God, You are in control; this did not catch you by surprise….
First, recognize God as Father – a loving, powerful, sovereign Father God. He’s got you and already knows what you are dealing with and already knows what’s going to happen.
I declare the end from the beginning, and from long ago what is not yet done, saying: My plan will take place, and I will do all My will. - Isaiah 46:10
I know you are here with me. You promised.
Just knowing that He is there – that we are not alone means everything,
Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you. - Deuteronomy 31:8
I know you love me, and I know you won’t let me down!
Fear tends to leave when we recognize that we are loved and that God will hold us up. We will get through this!
If the Lord had not been my help, my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence. When I thought, “My foot slips,” your steadfast love, O Lord, held me up. - Psalm 94:17-18
You will always be there to help me.
Trouble is a part of life. However, we are not alone – we have God to help us.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. - Psalm 46:1
Everything will be all right because You are at work.
One of the greatest promises of all time – Romans 8:28. Good will come out of this.
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. - Romans 8:28
Guide me through this time. I trust You.
This is my favorite, life changing verse:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. - Proverbs 3:5,6
In the Name of Jesus who is always with me, Amen
So, when you feel discouraged and not sure what to do, do what we all should do, pray. Pray a prayer like this one. Pray and affirm God’s promises. Pray and in your prayer be encouraged. God’s got you. Be encouraged!