By Judy Cook
Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in deep mire, Where there is no standing; I have come into deep waters, Where the floods overflow me. I am weary with my crying; My throat is dry; My eyes fail while I wait for my God. Those who hate me without a cause Are more than the hairs of my head; They are mighty who would destroy me, Being my enemies wrongfully; Though I have stolen nothing, I still must restore it. (Psalm 69: 1-5)
Discouragement has often been said to be Satan’s most effective weapon. In my life, that is so true! We may be having financial woes, marital problems, friend issues, or any of a number of other aches and pains of life, but when I let them start "discouraging" me, THEN I have real problems!
Life is full of problems.
Yet man is born to trouble, As the sparks fly upward. (Job 5: 7)
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. (Matthew 6: 34)
Even David, the man after God's own heart, felt discouraged at times.
(Ps. 69)
When he was discouraged, David took the most positive route out of his trouble that he possible could. He cried out to God!
But I am poor and needy; Make haste to me, O God! You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay. (Psalms 70:5)
In You, O Lord, I put my trust; Let me never be put to shame. (Psalms 71: 1)
So many times in my discouragement, I turn away from God! I begin to question my faith, my convictions. I even question God's love. That is when Satan sees that he almost has me!
God cares!
So how do we handle disappointments and problems?
Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)
Behold, God is my helper; The Lord is with those who uphold my life. (Psalms 54:4)
Isolation feeds discouragement, so we must maintain constant contact with God through His Word and prayer. Contact with likeminded Christians helps tremendously too!
And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works (Hebrews 10:24)
And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins." Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. (1 Peter 4:8-9)
When we feel discouragement coming, let's sit down with God and pray about it.
But as for me, my prayer is to You, O Lord, in the acceptable time; O God, in the multitude of Your mercy, Hear me in the truth of Your salvation. (Psalm 69: 13)
ISBS Ladies Daily Devotional
03/17/05
............Article 192............
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