How To Overcome Discouragement

HOW TO OVERCOME DISCOURAGEMENT

Psalm 61:1-8

Discouragement is defined as "a loss of confidence or enthusiasm; dispiritedness”. A man by the name of William Ward goes a little further in his definition of discouragement. He says:

Discouragement is dissatisfaction with the past, distaste for the present, and distrust of the future. It is ingratitude for the blessings of yesterday, indifference to the opportunities of today, and insecurity regarding strength for tomorrow. It is unawareness of the presence of beauty, unconcern for the needs of our fellowman, and unbelief in the promises of old. It is impatience with time, immaturity of thought, and impoliteness to God. (Source: William Ward. Today in the Word, April, 1989, p. 18.)

Psalm 61 records the response of a man who possessed immense trust in the Father even during what could have been a time of extreme discouragement. King David declared in verse 2, “When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” David does not go into detail as to what he is enduring but many believe that this was written when he was fleeing from Absalom. The King’s life was in danger and the man leading the charge was his own flesh and blood. Absalom had stolen the hearts of Israel and seized his father’s throne. Now David has fled his Kingdom, his people, and his own son. Truly, this was a time of great trouble and sorrow for the King.

There are times when we are immersed in periods of immense discouragement. Perhaps you are in the midst of such a time right now, if so I would like for you to know that it is possible to endure and even overcome discouragement.

When trouble comes many are tempted to give up and turn away from God. Though this is a common temptation and it may seem to be the easiest thing to do, it is never the right thing to do. Thankfully, the Word of God shows us how we should properly respond in times of discouragement and frustration. One such place is the Psalm that we will consider today. I would like to examine the words of the Psalmist and see “How To Overcome Discouragement”

In the Bible, to "overcome" signifies victory over challenges, temptation, and spiritual adversaries through faith in God and His grace, particularly in the context of a relationship with Jesus Christ. It's not necessarily about a life free of trials, but rather about triumphing within those trials.

- In order to overcome discouragement:

WE MUST RETAIN THE PROPER PERSPECTIVE

David says, “Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to you.” The King goes on to declare that his "heart is overwhelmed". In the Hebrew "overwhelmed" literally means to shroud. This carries the idea of being clothed in darkness.

David was facing a time of loneliness and darkness in his life. Though it may have seemed that God was a million miles away, David remembered where he should go in a time like this; he took his burdens to the Father. Keep in mind, David was a man of great power. He was the chosen King of Israel, but in his time of distress, he was humble enough to go to the Lord for help.

We have all endured those times when we felt overwhelmed and it seems that a dark cloud is hanging over our head. Often in times such as these we feel as if God is million miles away, we feel helpless and alone, and we may even ponder of God even hears our prayers. This Psalm shows us how we should respond when we are overwhelmed. We must turn to the Lord, trust in the Lord, and tell it to the Lord.

- In one of the classic hymns of the faith, E.A Hoffman said:

I must tell Jesus all of my trials;

I cannot bear these burdens alone;

In my distress He kindly will help me;

He ever loves and cares for His own.

David goes on to say “lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” David was chosen by God to be the mighty King of Israel but he was wise to remember that there was One who was higher than he was. The King had the proper perspective.

God is faithful, true, all powerful, & all knowing, therefore we can trust Him when we are overwhelmed and discouraged. When we have the proper perspective and remember the Lord’s position we can not only endure troubles, we can paise Him in the midst of them. Isaiah said, “O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you; I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure” (Isaiah 25:1).