Standing Firm

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. [1 Corinthians 16:13]

Biblical Teachings

5 Strategies to Overcome Discouragement

Cathy

Discouragement is running rampant in our society and hopelessness seems to be prevalent. However, as believers, we are to rise up, stand firm, and be the encouragement that the world needs. This is why its so important that we keep our Holy Appointment!!

Remember what Ephesians 6:12 says:

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12)

Even though he keeps trying, the devil and his antichrist spirits cannot defeat us. The devil has already lost, and he does not have power over us. The father of lies, the thief, and the destroyer has only one way to get to us. He tries to deceive us, and he does this through our minds. He attempts to make us think we are worthless and useless so that we get discouraged, forget what our purpose is, and give up.

However, we need to remember that Jesus paid His life for us, and we are holy vessels of the Holy Spirit – so we are priceless! Remember this, my friend, you have worth, you have value, and you are a PRICELESS child of God.

Are you ready to learn how we can totally dissolve discouragement? Let’s go!

  1. Remember What God Has Done For YOU: when you are discouraged, remember what He has already accomplished in your life or what He is currently doing.

Remember your personal testimony because no one can disagree with YOUR story. There are so many amazing things that God has done for us. We are blessed and it would be a good habit to write down at least five things on our gratitude list daily.

Find something to praise God for and thank Him as we are shown in Psalms 150.

Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord!

  • Praise the Lord!
  • Praise God in his sanctuary!
  • Praise him in his mighty heaven!
  • Praise him for his mighty works!
  • Praise his unequaled greatness!
  • Praise him with a blast of the ram’s horn!
  • Praise him with the lyre and harp!
  • Praise him with the tambourine and dancing!
  • Praise him with strings and flutes!
  • Praise him with a clash of cymbals!
  • Praise him with loud clanging cymbals!

    2. Pray in the Holy Spirit: praying in the spirit edifies us in a way that only a believer can experience. When we pray in the spirit this encourages and lifts our faith automatically. Set ourselves a goal of how long we will pray in the spirit and just begin to pray. David encouraged himself in the Lord, and we can do the same thing. This is an amazing tool in our toolbox that believers forget to use!

These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. (Jude 1:19-21)

3. Sow a Seed of Encouragement: yes, go ahead and call someone and bless them with words of encouragement.

Don’t text. I say this because that would be the way I would do it, however, the Lord convicted me that it’s more powerful to take the time to call someone and encourage them with the spoken word.  There is something that happens within us when we sow this seed, we become encouraged. Be a source of other people’s refreshment!

So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

4. Take a Rest: sometimes we get over-tired from trying to do too much. This gives a crack in the door for the enemy to sneak in. When all it will take to close that door is a little rest. How many of us are running around 24/7 without taking time for ourselves? This is a common issue for women because they are always putting other people before themselves. Rest is part of the hustle; it affects our minds and body. Never make decisions of being overwhelmed or being over tired.

It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones. (Psalm 127:2)

5. Clean Up! One of the things that causes stress is everything around them is in chaos. Clean the house, clean up ourselves, and clean up the environment around us. Remove things around us that are causing stress. Simple thing – make our bed! 😊 This sets the tone for the day. If you are working from home, take a shower and get dressed as if you are going into the office. Cleanliness, organization, and keeping ourselves in order make a difference in our mindset.

Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10)

Take one of these things and encourage Yourself today!!

  1. Praise the Lord
  2. Pray in the Holy Spirit
  3. Sow a Seed of Encouragement
  4. Take a Rest (take a hot bubble bath)
  5. Clean Up!
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