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.