Discouragement

[Kehaar]

Hello all

Tonight our minister gave quite an interesting sermon on encouragement and discouragement, which has pushed me to post this here. I'm still early in my christian walk (I'll be 4 months old next week! lol) but I have found that I do seem to run into alot of discouraging thoughts and feelings. Not so much from other people, it seems to be an internal thing...such as I'll get frustrated with my lack of knowledge or feel uncertain or nervous in particular situations and I'm not sure why. It annoys me that I do feel like this...has anyone had a similar problem?

Thanks,

Astral

 

[needhislove]

I have alot of discouraging thoughts at times. I get frustrated with myself also. I think that it may not be all that unusual to have those feelings, though. At the same time I believe that satan will put some very discouraging thoughts in our heads for the purpose of making us less productive in our faith. I just say a little prayer when I start to have those feelings. Sometimes I learn a bit about what I need to improve on and sometimes I realize that I am just allowing satan to rattle me. I try to lighten up on myself sometimes. We can't always feel confident and 4 months is great, but the Bible is a big book! It takes a while to read it. I think the more you read, the more confident you will feel, since that will take care of your lack of knowledge and also help you to receive the confidence that Christ gives.

 

[macandcheese]

Hello!
I think it is natural to feel discouraged at times, but i think the point is how we deal with it. Not giving in to discouraging thoughts, not letting them make you feel frustrated or depressed, is the important thing. It is certainly not always easy, but God is there to help. Saying a prayer, repeating affirmations or bible verses can help. And taking a deep breath always helps if you find yourself getting too frustrated!
Also, spiritual warfare can affect attitude, especially if you are a new Christian. the devil doesnt want you to believe in God, so he will do what he can to bring you down. Have someone pray over you for protection.
peace
*mac*

 

[Sketcher]

It happens all the time. But when it does, pray to God about it, remember some good verses (Psalms are good) and remember the good things He has done for you. That's what David did while writing many of the psalms, he was on the run with people sometimes inches away from getting killed. That is very discouraging. But he remembered the good times when God showed Himself to be faithful, and praised the Lord anyway.

Now, you might not have a whole lot of things to remember since you've only been in the Lord a few months, but start with the smallest things. Thanks God for them, and remember that He is faithful and loves you. Romans 8:31-39 is a good passage to read and memorize. You don't have to fear, because "while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Rom 5:8 !)

 

[steelmagnolia]

I believe that satan will put some very discouraging thoughts in our heads for the purpose of making us less productive in our faith.

the devil doesnt want you to believe in God, so he will do what he can to bring you down

These are excellent points. The feelings of discouragement and dispair are not of God. Remember that

 

[HumbleBee]

Replace discouraging thoughts with encouraging Bible verses! Meditate on the Word, so there ain't room fer negz to get in! Get in practice of giving yourself a pep talk through God's living and powerful Word! Need a picker upper? Then pick up your Bible!

Jeremiah 29:11-14 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD...

Psalm 1:2-3 But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.

Romans 8:6, 28 ...but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace...And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.

Ephesians 6: 16-18 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.

Philippians 1:6 being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.