WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU FEEL DISCOURAGED
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU FEEL DISCOURAGED
The Rock Teaching Ministry Read: Psalm 42:1-11
Meditation verse:
“Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance” (Psalm 42:5).
Today’s reading highlights David’s prescriptions for such moments. When David found himself in a hopeless situation, the first thing he did was to encourage himself in The Lord. He questioned his feelings of hopelessness and reinforced his hope in God. Next, he let God know exactly how he felt and what he was going through, then he began to recount past episodes of God’s faithfulness upon his life. Icons of God’s faithfulness over lives in the past are sure anchors to hold on to in moments of despair. Surely, God has come through for you in the past and in your moments of discouragement, you can draw hope, strength, and faith in the knowledge that the One who did it is able to do it again.
Next, we see David pleading his case with God, “I will say to God my Rock, why have You forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? As with a breaking of my bones, my enemies reproach me, while they say to me all day long, where is your God?”. And David ends his plea by professing a renewed hope in God. It is okay to plead your case with God and ask questions when you do not understand the trajectory of your life. Isaiah 1:18 says “come now and let us reason together, says the Lord…” He is a loving and merciful Father. Psalm 103:13-14 says “as a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame, He remembers that we are dust”
God delights in your all-round prosperity and success. 3 John 2 states: “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers”. If you are discouraged because the current picture of your life is incongruent with God’s plan, plead your case like David.
IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Oke Chinye.
Have you asked Jesus Christ to come into your heart?
He says in Mathew 11:28, “come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” He longs to give you rest."
Would you like to do so now? Here’s a prayer you can say:
Dear Jesus, I believe that You died to save me from all my sins. Today, I invite you into my heart and I accept you as my Lord and Saviour. Please forgive all my sins and help me to live my life for You.
If you prayed this prayer, send me an email at rockteachingministry@gmail.com
I would love to pray with you personally and send you a copy of my book; ‘Living the Life’ to encourage you as you begin your new life in Christ.
