Discouragement 1: the act of discouraging: the state of being discouraged 2: something that discourages Discourage 1: to deprive of courage or confidence: DISHEARTEN 2a: to hinder by disfavoring. b: to dissuade or attempt to dissuade from doing something. Dishearten 1: to cause to lose spirit or morale [Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Eleventh Edition]
A. One of Satan’s most effective tools is Discouragement
B. Many people that fail probably fail because of Discouragement
A. God’s word provides a cure for life’s problems
1. It is sufficient (Psalms 119:72) “The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver”.
2. It provides all that we need (Romans 1:16) (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
A. He thought he was the only faithful one left
1. God told him that 7,000 had NOT bowed to Baal (vs. 18)
B. He had done God’s will, but his life was in danger
1. He had slain the prophets of Baal
2. Jezebel wanted him dead by the next day
A. Take care of the physical body
1. Elijah had to be told to eat (vs. 5-8)
2. God knows that how our bodies are treated directly effects how we “feel” emotionally.
3. We must take care of our bodies the best we can.
B. Turn to God
1. Elijah was told to go “before the Lord” (vs. 9-13)
2. God wants us to depend on him (1 Peter 5:6-7) “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.”
3. Man is too feeble to carry ALL of his burdens
4. As the familiar hymn says…”Oh what peace we often forfeit, Oh, what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry EVERYTHING to God in prayer.” (1) (2)
C. Get Busy
1. God gave Elijah things to DO (vs. 15-17)
a. Anoint new kings
b. Appoint Elisha as a prophet
2. The longer we sit, the MORE discouraged we get.
3. If we look INWARD too long, we forget to look UPWARD, to God
D. Look for that which is good
1. God pointed, NOT to how few, but to how MANY were faithful (vs. 18)
2. We should NOT overlook error and wickedness, but we should NOT concentrate on the bad to the point that we do not see the good.
3. The Apostle Paul also told us to thing about good things. (Philippians 4:8,9) “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report: if there be any virtue, and if there by any praise, think on these things. Those things which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”
E. Look to a faithful child of God for help
1. God’s final cure for Elijah was Elisha
2. We are supposed to depend on each other
3. There are “one another” passages such as Galatians 6:2 & 10 “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ……..As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”
4. We should NOT constantly tell everyone about our problems, BUT, do not fail to seek brothers and sisters help when discouraged!
5. DON’T forsake assembling together! (Hebrews 10:23-31) READ
A. Discouragement is a very real problem
B. Discouragement is responsible for many lost souls
1. Because, when Discouraged, we quit doing God’s will
C. God has provided all that we need (2 Peter 1:3) “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue.”
1. Including a cure for Discouragement
D. NOT being Discouraged is not enough, however
1. We must be Encouraged to do what is right (1 Timothy 6:11-12) “But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou are also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” (2 Timothy 4: 6-8) “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” [Invitation]