HOW TO DEAL WITH DISCOURAGEMENT

Discouragement destroys hope, so naturally the devil always tries to discourage

us. Without hope we give up, which is exactly what the devil wants us to do.

The Bible repeatedly tells us not to be discouraged or dismayed. God knows

that we will not be victorious if we get discouraged, so He always encourages us
as we start out on a project by saying to us, “Do not get discouraged.” God
wants us to be encouraged, not discouraged.

When discouragement or condemnation tries to overtake you, the first thing to

do is to examine your thought life. What kind of thoughts have you been
thinking?
Have they sounded something like this? I am not going to make it; this is too hard. I always fail;
it has always been the same. Nothing ever changes. I am sure other people do not have this
much trouble getting their minds renewed. I may as well give up. I’m tired of trying. I pray, but it
seems as if God doesn’t hear. He probably doesn’t answer my prayers because He is so
disappointed in the way I act

. If these examples represent your thoughts, then no wonder you get

discouraged or feel condemned! Remember, you become what you think. Think
discouraging thoughts, and you will get discouraged. Change your thinking and
be set free!

Instead of thinking negatively, think more like this, Well, Things are going a little
slowly, but, thank God, I am making some progress. I am sure glad I’m on the right path that
will lead me to freedom. I had a rough day yesterday. I chose wrong thinking all day long.
Father, forgive, me, and help to me to keep on keeping on. I made a mistake, but at least that is
one mistake I won’t have to make again. This is a new day. You love me, Lord. Your mercy is
new every morning. I refuse to condemn me. You sent Jesus to die for me. I’ll be fine- today will
be a great day. I ask You to help me to choose right thoughts today.

BY NELLY.B