Have you ever reached a point in your life when you just want to throw your hands in the air and say, “Why bother?” Well, you are not alone. We have all experienced that at one time or another in our lives. When certain expectations are not met, we tend to become disappointed which can lead to discouragement if not handled carefully.
The Bible is not silent on the subject of discouragement. There are many examples given in the scripture of those who were discouraged. Some prime examples are Moses, David, Elijah, Jeremiah – all powerful prophets or leaders. Some experienced deep depression and some to the point of wanting to die and actually asking God to kill them.
Another one of the greatest heroes of the Old Testament who found himself in that state, and needed a serious dose of courage, was Joshua. He was given an impossible task to perform with an improbable people. God knew Joshua’s concerns and his fears, but God also knew what Joshua was able to accomplish. Before Joshua took command of Israel, God spoke to him and said, “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God [is] with thee whithersoever thou goest” (Joshua 1:9.)
God had already given Joshua the command to lead Israel into the Promised Land. It was a command that required a great commitment. Joshua needed to lead Israel into battle against some of the strongest armies it would ever face. What he needed to do was to stay focused and trust God to work things out.
We need to learn that lesson, as well, if we are to combat discouragement. The following five principles that were given to Joshua are worth implementing:
1) Be Strong
Stand strong. Strength is not just about the amount of weight you might be able to lift. Strength is also about personal endurance, mental toughness and emotional stability. Joshua needed all these facets of strength to move the people of Israel forward to follow God.
2) Be Courageous
Courage is the ability to face down your fears and overcome them. Courage gives us the ability to stand firm when everyone around us is giving in. Courage is the raw desire and determination to stay on course with God regardless of the personal cost.
3) Do Not Be Afraid
Fear can hold us back in life more than any other emotion. Fear can keep us from moving forward with God because when we are focused on fear, we cannot walk in faith. Faith and fear do not, and cannot mix. We will either give in to our fears or we will overcome them through faith. This was the lesson that Joshua needed to learn that day. When God calls us to act, we cannot be afraid because if He has called us, He will also be with us.
4) Do not be discouraged
Discouragement is a disease of the heart, the soul, the mind and the spirit. Discouragement will drain a person of every positive thought that he or she possesses and create a negative spirit around him or her. When discouragement strikes, we need a fresh supply of courage to be injected into our lives. Encouragement is simply the process of being filled with courage. Discouragement is the process of being sapped of your courage.
5) Remember you are never alone
Joshua felt alone. Moses had died and now he (Joshua) was expected to lead Israel. God was giving Joshua a reminder that nothing would ever cause God to leave his side. Joshua was given a formula for spiritual success. If Joshua made the choice to follow God every day, he would not fail in life. The same is true for us today.
Remember, God offers us strength, encouragement and the promise of His presence through every circumstance in life. The choice is ours. We can walk with God or we can walk on our own. Which do you choose?
About the Author: Mrs. Marilyn Hodge owns and operates The Wellness Centre in The Farrington, Anguilla. The Centre offers Counselling Services by Appointment Only and has now published Positive Living Volume 2. Contact information: 476-3517 or email: marilynb@anguillanet.com. www.facebook.com/axawellnesscentre
