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Lesson: DISCOURAGEMENT
Author - Mark Stusek
Date: 03-11-2007
Key Scripture Passages- see below
Last week we discussed this whole issue of whether “we” can trust God in those dark silent times of life. Discouragement may be a major part of your life today if you continue to be disappointed with life.
I. Reasons for being discouraged
a) All of the men in Naomi’s life had died. She could only see a field of life that was full of sorrow. Ruth 1:1-5
b) God sent Elijah to rescue Israel from its moral and spiritual decline. Elijah confronted and defeated the prophets of Baal. His Payment…. a hit on his life. 1Kings 18:40-46 19:1-4
c) Nehemiah is a Hebrew man living in Persia and serving as a cupbearer for the king.
When he hears about the poor condition of his homeland, Jerusalem, and the plight of the Jews living there, his heart is broken. Nehemiah 1:1-11
Death of loved ones, disappointment that comes, as a result, of doing right or seeing others we care about and love, hurting can cause the best of us to become DISCOURAGED.
Let us talk openly about what discourages us today.
It may be:
Death of a loved one
Death of a vision
Financial pressures
Declining health
Painful relationships
II. Dealing with discouragement
a) Listen to the still small voice behind your ear. Naomi listened to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and obeyed. Ruth 1:15-18
God always provides grace when we are discouraged. He never forsakes us – but draws and restores us back to him with acts of love.
This is where Ruth enters into the picture.
b) The Lord knows when we are discouraged, when we need rest, and nourishment. Therefore, God ministers to Elijah’s physical needs.
1Kings 19:5-13a
God spoke directly with Elijah. Rather than issuing a command or rebuke God simply ask a question.
At this piece of discouragement – is God asking you a question?
God had no lecture for Elijah, only an object lesson.
When we are depressed or discouraged, feeling alone and unloved – God comes to us in a “gentle blowing” – not in noise and commotion.
c) Nehemiah was discouraged – nothing wrong with that. We are human!
Nehemiah 1:4-6 2:1-9
In his dismay, Nehemiah turned to the Lord in prayer; likewise when we are discouraged, our first priority should be to “cry out” to our heavenly Father.
Nehemiah waited until God put all the particulars in place and then he moved. We should do the same.
III. Overcoming discouragement
Blessings
Understand what determines the measure of God’s blessing in your life? Does he bless you a little or a lot?
a) When God speaks of blessing someone, he says, “I am going to intervene and act in such a way that my goodness is displayed in your life.”
Naomi – Elijah – Nehemiah were all recipients of this blessing. Genesis 12:2
b) God intends to bless all of his children. How much of that blessing you receive is up to you and me.
c) We receive the full measure of God’s blessing if we are prepared.
Prepare by dong (5) things:
1) Recognize that God is the source of everything
Some of God’s blessings come through pain and disappointment (Naomi – Ruth – Elijah – Nehemiah)
Paul and Silas in Prison
Instead of worrying – discouraged
Started singing – what did God do because of their faith?
Earthquake – loosened their chains – set them free
Acts 16:23-34
(They were already set free in their hearts)
2) Listen to God
In the morning, he will give you direction and guidance
3) Listen and Obey
We only experience God’s full measure of blessing if we act in obedience.
4) Start every day expecting God’s blessing in your life
God has a plan for your and my life.
Anticipate him intervening in some way to help us succeed in whatever you are doing.
Expect it!
5) The measure of blessing you receive will be determined by the measure you give towards others. Luke 6:38
Each day look for opportunities to be a blessing in the lives of others.
Summary:
When our focus is right – in that we are listening, acting in obedience, expecting God’s blessing and we are blessing others; that is when we are positioned to be blessed beyond measure.