The cave of Discouragement

What’s in your cave?

Walk on water #E

I hate to break the news to you but  we all may have the world's deadliest disease. No, it's not cancer, not polio, nor MS, and not AIDS. It's Discouragement.

Why is discouragement such a dreaded disease? First, because it's universal. All of us get discouraged. I do, you do, we all do. Discouragement is common. Even Christians get discouraged. Second, because it's recurring. You can get discouragement over and over again. It's not just a one-time thing. Third, because it's highly contagious. Other people can get discouraged because you're discouraged.

John Ortberg speaks of the cave of fear.  I think we also need to look out for the cave of discouragement.  Fear and discouragement are like Siamese twins.  They often go hand in hand.  They have been called “The Paralysis Twins: Fear and Discouragement” discouragement and fear.  Earlier we talked about fear.  Today I want to talk about discouragement.

I suspect that some of you had a hard time relating to “fear” you thought I’m not afraid.  That doesn’t apply to me.  But there is still something keeping me in my boat.  Let me suggest to you that maybe discouragement is a better word for you. 

What’s the difference?  Let’s look at it this way.  What is the opposite of fear?  “Courage?”  That would be a good word.  And what is the opposite of courage?  Maybe fear, but how about “dis-courage?”  Do you see how they are related?

I suggest that one of the differences is that fear is related to our perception of external events.  Discouragement, however, has to do with our perception of internal events, feelings and realities.  If you want to know if you are a victim of this lack of courage, whether it is fear or discouragement, check your buts.  NO NOT THOSE BUTTS—YOUR BUTS:” --- 

·                     " I really believe God is calling me to a career in..... BUT"

·                      or, "God showed me that I could .....BUT" or,

·                     "I feel like I should .... BUT" 

·                     “I would like to . . .  BUT”  

·                     I would get out of my boat. . . BUT.

It could be because you have allowed the mountains of fear and/or discouragement to set up camp right on top of your faith. Well it's time for us to get off our buts and get on with our faith—it is time for us to get out of our caves of fear and discouragement and get into God’s boat.  It is time for us to get out of our boats and live faithfully for God NO MATTER WHAT!

·        ----Can you think of a time of deep discouragement in your life?

·         What circumstances do you feel caused your discouragement?

·         What emotions did you feel?

When we are discouraged, our faults, failures and imperfections are glaringly obvious to us. Negative thoughts come more easily than positive ones. It is not our reality; it is our perception. Discouragement, and the feelings of worthlessness it cultivates, can send us into hiding and render us helpless. Feelings of inadequacy can overtake us in waves. Unfortunately, our walk with God, our faith, and our trust in Him do not prevent us from experiencing disappointment, tragedy, or calamity.

·         --Has there ever been a time when you, cried out to God, “Enough already?”

·         In such a situation, what positive response can a person choose to make?

We sometimes feel that we have had enough, have lost our value, and should be replaced by a newer, better, shinier model.

Then to our weakness, God brings strength. To our turmoil, He speaks peace. To our confusion, He brings clarity. To our hopelessness, He brings vision and a plan for our future.

In our walk with God, disappointments will come and discouragement may follow.

However, we are only slaves to our circumstances when we remove God from them.  There are times when things are patently out of our control. There are other times when God simply wants us to relinquish control and trust Him with our lives.

·         ---How do you usually react to tough times?

·         What can you do to increase your dependence upon the Lord?

When life seems uncertain and we aren’t sure what our next step will be, fear can imprison our courage. Nevertheless, there are steps we can take to prevent and overcome the onslaught of discouragement.

·         Recognize the signs: What does your discouragement look like?? Sometimes we feel uneasiness in our spirit, but cannot discern the origin. It may be as simple as an untimely or off-hand comment, or it could be something of spiritual significance.

·         Know your enemy. Disappointment and discouragement can create division in our relationships. Whether they are familial, professional, or church relationships, we need to guard against casting blame. The enemy (discouragement) is not “out there” somewhere it is spiritual and the cure is spiritual.   2 Corinthians 10:4 (The Message) We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped  philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. Our tools are ready at hand for clearing the ground of every obstruction and building lives of obedience into maturity.

·        Praise, Worship, and Pray. Take time to mentally separate yourself from your situation and spend time with the Lord. He may not remove you from your circumstance, but He will guide you through it. “My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him,” (Psalm 62:1 NIV).

·         Go to church, even when you don’t feel like it. The importance of the ministry in our lives is evidenced by the value placed on it in Scripture. God has placed leaders and fellow Christians in our lives. Allow God to minister to you through the preached Word and through the fellowship of believers. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25).

·          Recall God’s faithfulness in your past.  “When I remember thee … because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice” (Psalm 63:6-7).

·         Wait on the Lord. There is no greater temptation during a time of discouragement than the one to hurry God. It is in us to avoid suffering. It is in us to revel in our strengths. But, the Lord is not afraid of our weakness. “Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart: wait, I say, on the LORD” (Psalm 27:14).

·          What situation are you now facing that you can apply the above steps to overcome your discouragement?

·         What action can you take this week that will start you on your way?

There are few things in life that are exclusive to us. Others have gone before you.  They have suffered and wept. They have felt sadness, discouragement and fear. They have been abused and abandoned. They have felt worthless and hopeless. They have wanted to give up. But, because they didn’t, they have found that: “You're not the only ones plunged into these hard times. It's the same with Christians all over the world. So keep a firm grip on the faith. The suffering won't last forever. It won't be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ—eternal and glorious plans they are!—will have you put together and on your feet for good. He gets the last word; yes, he does.” (I Peter 5:10).