Do you ever get discouraged? If not, you should probably check your pulse. Everyone gets discouraged from time to time…we’re human, and we all have feelings whether we want to admit it or not.  

So what exactly is discouragement? The dictionary defines it as: “to lose heart, courage, or confidence; to be demoralized.” Even with diligent prayer and the assistance from the King, Nehemiah became discouraged. Even though Nehemiah and God’s people were doing God’s will…doing an awesome thing for God…they still dealt with discouragement. Jerry Falwell says, “You can tell the level of greatness in a person’s life by what it takes to discourage them.” You notice that this statement doesn’t eliminate the possibility that even great people become discouraged.

There are many things that can bring discouragement in your life. I’m not going to take the time to list them, because it would be an extremely long list and I know it would not be complete. You know what gets you down…let’s talk about how to advance through it.

So, how do you get through your discouragement? First of all, with prayer. Give your discouragement to God. If there are several things weighing on you, give them to Him one at a time. And then let Him keep it – don’t try to take it back. Secondly, with preparation. Being prepared for the days ahead can keep you going through your feelings of discouragement. Plan your work and work your plan. Even when things aren’t going well, you’ll still be moving foward. Thirdly, focus. Focus on what God has called you to do, on your prayer-founded vision, and on completing the work. If Nehemiah hadn’t continued to focus even through his discouragement, the wall would have not been completed in an amazing 52 days, and may not have been completed at all. Lastly, have confidence. Be confident that God is moving, that He is teaching you, and that He will never leave you.

There are all kinds of ways to deal with discouragement. But the best way is God’s way.