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Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. - Joshua 1:9

This week I have heard from several people who were discouraged for one reason or another. It seems like discouragement comes in waves, and it can be very unsettling. 

I think discouragement is a major weapon of the enemy to get us to quit or to want to give up. 

Everyone gets discouraged at some point. It is part of being human. 

It can start with something small. Someone is late. They say something wrong. Something falls through. You get bad news. 

Or it can be something big that happens that knocks you off your feet. 

It can be like a hole we fall into and have a hard time getting out of if we are not careful.

Simply defined discouragement is a loss of confidence or enthusiasm; dispiritedness.

It can strike at any time. It can rob your day of joy and it can rob you of life.  

So, what do you do? Here are some simple but profound ways to battle discouragement in life. 

10 Ways to Deal with Discouragement 

10. Avoid discouraging people.

Have you ever noticed that discouragement can be contagious. If you are discouraged, be careful of who you are spending time with. Numbers 11:1 - Now the people complained about their hardships in the hearing of the Lord, and when he heard them, his anger was aroused. Then fire from the Lord burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp. (An extreme example, I know, but still relevant to what can happen if we are around discouraging and complaining people.) 

9. Get some rest.

Sometimes we are discouraged because we are tired. Once we get some rest, we are so much better. It’s not wrong to just stop and rest when needed. Psalm 4:8 - In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. 

8. Serve Someone Else.

Getting our mind off of our problems by helping others helps both of you.  Galatians 6:9 - Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 

7. Call a friend.

Just getting it off your chest can be enough. Galatians 6:2 - Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ. 

6. Remember past victories.

Look back to see all the times God came through for you. Learn to overcome present problems by remembering past victories. Psalm 77:11-12 - I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.

5. Take time to worship.

Similar to #6, just looking to God and realizing all that He is, is enough. He is bigger than anything we will ever face! Worship Him in all His glory. Listen to worship music. Walk in His creation. Join with others in worship. Psalm 100:1-3 - Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 

4. Reflect on some encouraging verses.

There are so many promises to fall back on when discouraged. Do your own search of key verses that speak to you. Psalm 34:6-8; Romans 8:28; Philippians 4:13; Psalm 28:7; Mark 11:24; Psalm 34:4 

3. Keep moving forward.

Right after God told the Israelites to be still and that He would fight for them – He told them to get moving. Don’t let discouragement slow you down or take you away from what God has called you to do. Exodus 14:15 - Then the LORD said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people to get moving! 

2. Take it to the Lord.

He is the greatest listener. You can tell Him anything and everything. 1 Peter 5:7 - Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 

1. Let Jesus have all your problems.

Sometimes we end up carrying things that He never intended us to carry. Hand them off to Jesus. Trust Him and let go. Matthew 11:28 - Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 

Feel free to email us if you would like prayer if you in a time of discouragement. Let’s walk through this together. 

May your journey through discouragement be a short one on the way to victory.