Truth be told, there is so much to be discouraged about . . . COVID, poverty, unemployment, crime, corruption, failed relationships, and I am sure you could add a few of your own to the list. We all face discouragement, but how we deal with it is different from one person to another. It is easy to lose your courage when you face big problems. Failure produces discouragement, depression and in extreme cases, even suicide.

So, what are we to do about our discouragement?

Look to God. Remember every answered prayer. Think of the good times. Be grateful for your blessings. Talk to a good friend. Take some time out to do something you enjoy (for me, it’s going for a run, listening to my favourite music or watching Liverpool win!)

The word of God is a great source of encouragement.

Psalm 34:17–18

The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help.

He rescues them from all their troubles.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;

He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

Are you brokenhearted? Is your spirit crushed? God understands. Jesus had his heart broken and his spirit crushed. God is close by to hear you and rescue you. Our God is in the rescuing business. Cry out to him for help, and he will give you the courage to carry on. Even though you may have been betrayed by many people, God is there for you. He will never leave nor forsake you.

ISAIAH 40:29-31

He gives power to the weak

And strength to the powerless

Even youths will become weak and tired,

And young men will fall in exhaustion.

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.

They will soar high on wings like eagles.

They will run and not grow weary.

They will walk and not faint.

Weariness is not a sin. It is part of the human experience. God will give you strength and power in your discouragement. Can you trust him for this? Sometimes we need God to help us soar. Sometimes we need him to help us run. Sometimes all we need to do is just walk. No matter how slow, we need to keep moving. God loves you. He really does.