Discouragement usually knocks on our doors without prior notice. It visits the best of us without invitation.
Are you feeling discouraged right now?
You are not alone.
And there are things to overcome the distressing effects of discouragement.
I have highlighted four points in this article that will help you snap out of the valley of discouragement and set you on the mountain of optimism.
This write-up is inspired by these verses of the Scriptures.
Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God! Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember you— even from distant Mount Hermon, the source of the Jordan, from the land of Mount Mizar. (Psalms 42:5-6 NLT)
1. FIND THE SOURCE OF THE DISCOURAGEMENT.
This will help you to deal with the issue right from the root.
For instance, if you are sad because you have no money in your bank account, there might be more to it than not just having enough money to your name. The real issue may be that your business is crumbling or that you need a job.
Be sincere with yourself as you identify what the issue is. You definitely need to know what the problem is so that you can profer a solution to it.
The first thing the Psalmist did was to ask himself why he was discouraged.
You should do the same.
That will help you keep your issues in perspective.
And then you will be open to ideas for resolving them.
2. REDIRECT YOUR THOUGHTS.
The most likely result of discouragement is for you to be submerged in the pool of depression and wallow in self pity. When you are discouraged, you have the tendencies of thinking about all the ugly things that have happened to you. It all keeps escalating if you don’t take caution and you may be surprised at how low your heart can sink in sorrow.
Instead of focusing on the negatives, choose to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Remind yourself of the fact that all things work together for the good of those who love God.
Tell yourself that you will hope in God instead of concentrating on your issues and source of discouragement.
3. START A PRAISE PARTY.
I know just how difficult it can be to praise God when everything in your life is going South.
But you will realize that once you can summon the courage to switch to the praise mood, you will be raised from the valley of depression.
This works all the time.
Decide to acknowledge God for who He is. Praise Him from the depths of you.
Focus on the fact that His plans for your life are perfect and He knows the right timing for your life.
4. CAST YOUR MIND ON THE PAST.
A perfect time to bring to remembrance the glorious deeds of God in your life is when you are discouraged.
This will remind you of the fact that God is able to do all things and that there is nothing too hard for Him to do.
A good way to make this happen is to make a habit of journalling the things God does for you.
That will come handy when you are discouraged.
Listen to other people’s testimonies and key yourself into the ability of God to make it happen for you too.
Most importantly, make God’s Word your companion in these seasons of your life.
I hope you find these helpful.
Remember, it’s just a phase and this too shall pass.
Be encouraged!
Take time out to watch this video:
©OMOSEBI Mary Omolola (PhD)
