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Date: | Mon, 30 Jul 2007 11:17:48 -0500 |
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Dealing With Discouragement
Nehemiah 1:1-11
Discouragement can feel like a big weight on our shoulders. It slows
us down and makes work more difficult. It can diminish our enjoyment of life.
People drag us down when they regard our best efforts as
unsatisfactory. A steady stream of criticism from a family
member, neighbor, or co-worker can affect how we feel about ourselves.
Dissatisfaction with our actions can also prove discouraging. Maybe
it relates to a personal weakness we can't overcome or a
high personal expectation we've failed to meet. Either reason can
cause discouragement.
Past disappointments cause some of us to have little hope for the
future. Financial pressures, declining health, and
painful relationships take a toll on our emotions.
The life of Nehemiah teaches an important lesson about handling
discouragement. He was a Hebrew living in Persia and serving as
cup-bearer for the king. Nehemiah heard a report about the poor
condition of Jerusalem and the plight of the Jews. He was deeply
affected. In his disappointment over their situation, Nehemiah turned
to the Lord in prayer. He knew only His great God could change the
situation. In the same way, our discouragement should drive us to cry
out to the Lord.
Nehemiah praised God's awesome character, confessed his sins and the
sins of others, recalled divine promises, and presented his request.
Let's follow Nehemiah's example and take our disappointments to the
Lord in prayer.
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