Sunday November 28, 2021
https://www.facebook.com/Encountertexoma/videos/1113934692476900
INTRODUCTION: Today we’re going to talk about overcoming discouragement. In life there arises the opportunity from time to time to get discouraged.
Discourage- deprive of courage or hope
Discouragement is a reality in life. We’re all flesh and blood and have to fight discouragement.
2Corinthians 1:8 – “For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life.”
Despair- To be overcome by a sense of futility or defeat. Utter lack of hope. Something that destroys all hope.
Many times circumstances and situations present to us the opportunity to be discouraged.
FOUR MAIN CAUSES OF DISCOURAGEMENT
- Unfulfilled Expectations
The passing of time works against hope and faith in your life.
Proverbs 13:12- “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.”
Many times we lose hope and when we lose hope we lose faith.
Have you ever heard this phrase? “Don’t get your hopes up.” That’s discouragement.
2. Attacks of the Enemy
Attacks of the enemy can cause you to lose hope and become discouraged.
Luke 22:31-32- “And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.”
Jesus tells Peter, “I’m going to pray for you not lose hope.” FAITH FAIL NOT IN FAILURE!
Attacks of the enemy can cause us to lose hope and become discouraged.
3. Financial Hardship
1 Kings 17:12- “So she said, “As the Lord your God lives, I do not have bread, only a handful of flour in a bin, and a little oil in a jar; and see, I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die.”
Financial hardship can cause discouragement
4. The loss of someone close to us.
ESPECIALLY DURING THIS SEASON!
Deuteronomy 34:8- “The Israelites grieved for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days, until the time of weeping and mourning was over.”
Grieved- to weep, wail, cry, sob, mourn!
But we don’t want to stay discouraged do we. So how can I overcome discouragement?
HOW TO OVERCOME DISCOURAGEMENT (Psalm 27)
1. Don’t compare yourself to your problem or enemy but compare your problem or enemy to God.
Psalm 27:1-3- “The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident.”
David was so good at comparing his problem to God. He compared Goliath to his God!
What would it have been if David compared himself to Goliath?
2. Go to the secret place of God
EVERYONE NEEDS A SECRET PLACE!
Psalm 27:4,5 – “The one thing I ask of the Lord— the thing I seek most— is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple. For he will conceal me there when troubles come, he will hide me in his sanctuary. He will place me out of reach on a high rock.”
Satan will do everything he can to keep you from the secret place!
Psalm 91:1 – “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty..”
3. Offer up a sacrifice of praise
Psalm 27:6 “Then I will hold my head high above my enemies who surround me. At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy, singing and praising the Lord with music.”
God inhabits the praises of His people. God wants us to offer up a sacrifice of praise.
Hebrews 13:15- “Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name.”
4. Wait in faith on God
Psalm 27:13, 14 – “Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.”
CONCLUSION: Are you discouraged today? You’re not alone!
2 Corinthians 7:5-6- “When we arrived in Macedonia, there was no rest for us. We faced conflict from every direction, with battles on the outside and fear on the inside. But God, who encourages those who are discouraged, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus.”
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you from this message?