God’s Medicine for Discouragement

Discouragement.  All of us face it sooner or later. There are so many things that can cause it.  For example, stress, exhaustion, isolation, failure, betrayal, and sickness can often be factors that make us discouraged.

It could be that you have had more than your share of sickness and calamity and all you hope and pray for is better days ahead, but they never seem to come, and so discouragement has set in. Perhaps you aren’t where you hoped to be in terms of your career or family plans, and it is discouraging. Or maybe you are discouraged because you used to be close with someone and now you no longer are. Or maybe you feel discouraged because some sin is defeating you again and again.

Whatever it is that might be discouraging you, be comforted in the fact that even the spiritual giants in the Bible faced seasons of discouragement. People like Moses, Elijah, David, Peter, and Paul, just to name a few.

What is God’s medicine for a discouraged soul? Listen to what David said in Psalm 23:3 – “He restores my soul.” God’s antidote to discouragement involves inward restoration. One of the primary ways he restores us inwardly is His Word. It says in Psalm 19:7 – “The Word of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.”

God’s Word is what restores our soul. And specifically, the truth of God’s Word corrects and defeats the lies that we may have falsely believed. I wonder how often our own false thinking perpetuates the cycle of discouragement and feeling down. For example,

We think:
a. “It’s impossible…I just can’t win the battle with this sin.” OR “It’s impossible. They’ll never come to Christ.” OR “It’s impossible. My spouse will never change.” OR “It’s impossible. I’ll never get healthy.” But the truth from God’s Word is: “What is impossible with man is possible with God” (Luke 18:27). God can help you overcome that sin. God can bring them to Christ. God can change your spouse. God can improve your health. There is hope. With God, all things are possible.

We think:
b. “I can’t face another day with this problem.” But, God has said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). He will give you the grace to endure that trial, that difficulty, and that issue you are dealing with. You can walk through this difficult time, with his help.

We think:
c. “I’m all alone.” But God’s Word says, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). The truth is God doesn’t leave us alone. He is always there with us.

The truth of God’s Word is what brings refreshing to our soul.  That’s why it’s important to set aside time daily to read God’s Word. The wellness of your soul depends on it. His Word is medicine for discouragement.