Be Encouraged

Throughout our lifetime we will have many times when we will be discouraged. The Bible tells us repeatedly to NOT be discouraged, but sometimes that seems easier said than done. However, there is a reason — many reasons, in truth — to be, and stay, encouraged.

Discouragement destroys hope. And the destroyer of our hope is none other than our enemy, the devil. Without hope, we give up, and that’s exactly what the devil wants us to do! Because if he can get us to give up, then he wins, and therefore continues to bring more discouragement and condemnation into our minds.

However, we can take positive steps in staying encouraged. One huge step in the right direction is to examine your thoughts. What are you thinking? Are your thoughts positive, or are they negative? Do they sound like this? I’m not going to make it. This is too hard. Nothing ever changes. I always fail. I’m too stupid. I’m tired of trying. I may as well give up. God probably isn’t even listening to me, He hasn’t even answered.

If that’s your thought process, then it’s no wonder you’re discouraged! You become what you think. Proverbs 23:7a from the NKJV says this: “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” If all you think are negative, discouraging thoughts, then that’s what you will get; discouragement. When you think discouraging or condemning thoughts, then you will come under condemnation, which is not from God, but from the devil.

Change your thinking and you will be set free!

Instead of thinking negative, condemning thoughts begin thinking positive, more encouraging things such as: Today is a new day. Thank You, Lord, for Your mercies which are new every morning. Lord, I messed up, but that’s one mistake I won’t make again. I refuse to be discouraged. I refuse to be condemned. Father, forgive me for wrong thoughts, and help me to keep going when I want to quit. I know You love me, Lord. The Bible says that You do not condemn me. You sent Jesus to die for me, and in Him I am set free. I ask You now to help me choose right thoughts, words, and actions today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Even if you have to repent (ask God for forgiveness) and repeat it several times a day, do it. God sees you. God knows you. And God loves you. Right where you are. When we think and speak cheerful, positive and godly things, we walk in the victory Christ won for us. But it takes practice. So begin practicing today.

Stop allowing the enemy to trick you into believing those negative, condemning thoughts. Stop listening to the negativity of others, who try to enable you to stay stuck. Instead, surround yourself with the hope that comes from God’s Word, and godly people.

It’s not a sin to slip. But, when you begin wallowing in self-pity, self-condemnation, self-doubt, and you listen to others in their negative self-talk, who tell you it’s okay for you to think that way, then it is sinful.

Check your thoughts today. Check your heart. If they aren’t lined up with God’s Word, repent. Ask God to forgive you. Ask God to help you move forward. Then step out and continue your day in victory.

”Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become restless and disturbed within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence… Yet the LORD will command His loving kindness in the daytime, And in the night His song will be with me, A prayer to the God of my life… Why are you in despair, O my soul? Why have you become restless and disquieted within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.” ~ Psalm 42:5, 8, 11 (AMP)

Be blessed today, my friends!