Discouragement: a feeling we all experience at different times in our lives. Lately I feel like I’ve been battling through a season of discouragement. In set backs and disappointments I tend to open the door for the spirit of discouragement to nest it’s way into my heart. But allowing the spirit of discouragement to stay is dangerous to our wellbeing.
It’s easy to become discouraged when things don’t go our way. It’s easy to dwell in self-pity in an effort to make ourselves feel better about our circumstances. It’s harder to turn our discouragement into rejoicing. The more I prepare for the World Race and invest in fundraising, the more I am aware of the opposition at war against me going. I must choose to rejoice and have faith to move forward.
Through seeking Gods perspective on my circumstances and feelings of discouragement, He led me to read Habakkuk 3:17-19 (AMP as I love the emphasis):
“Though the fig tree does not blossom And there is no fruit on the vines, Though the yield of the olive fails And the fields produce no food, Though the flock is cut off from the fold And there are no cattle in the stalls, Yet I will [choose to] rejoice in the LORD; I will [choose to] shout in exultation in the [victorious] God of my salvation! The Lord GOD is my strength [my source of courage, my invincible army]; He has made my feet [steady and sure] like hinds’ feet And makes me walk [forward with spiritual confidence] on my high places [of challenge and responsibility].”
It’s a choice to tell the spirit of discouragement to get out and leave you alone. But we must choose to replace discouragement with rejoicing. God is our strength, our salvation and we are already victorious through Him.
If you are struggling (& I sympathise with you) with waiting for God to provide, to change your circumstances and come through for you; find encouragement in His words: “If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.” -Habakkuk 2:3. Be patient with the process, God is growing you through it.
“I will trust You in the desert,
I will trust You in the wait,
I’ll trust the One, outside of time
Oh God—you’re never late.
I will trust you in confusion,
When my plans fall through the cracks,
I’ll call to mind—you’re for my good,
There’s no good thing I lack.
I’ll trust you when I feel forgotten,
When the world keeps going by,
I’ll remember, dear Lord, there’s nothing I can do,
To ever escape Your eye.
I’ll trust you in uncertainty,
When my future remains unsure,
I know you see from beginning to end,
Your Hand holds me secure.
And I’ll trust You when you break my will,
When daily prayers remain unfulfilled,
When I long for action, and you say, “Be still.”
I’ll trust the foundation You’re trying to build.
For I know the blessing’s not in success,
When the things I long for come true,
The blessing is the p r o c e s s
And the greatest reward is you.”
