Battling Discouragement!

Do you ever get discouraged?  What brings it on?  Circumstances?  People?  Who or what shifts the discouragement into 4th gear? 

Discouragement comes in many forms and for many reasons.  It can come because of chemical imbalances in the brain and medicine usually is required to battle and overcome.  Attacks from others who want you to feel defeated are real at times and appropriate techniques are called on to battle the ploy.  At other times frustration happens when things don't go smoothly...the way we expected them to go!

We can become discouraged when our expectations of people or situations are crushed or shattered.  We have high hopes for success and then reality sinks in and our knuckles are dragging the floor.  In Christmas Vacation, Ellen is telling Clark that he has such high expectations for family gatherings that no one can live up to.  Sometimes we do that.

Nehemiah is facing many battles on many fronts as he tries to rebuild the walls.  At one point the "enemy" begins to spread horrible rumors about his work and the efforts of the people.  Nehemiah replies "Nothing like what you are saying is happening; you are just making it up in your head."  And then he prays to heaven "Now strengthen my hands."

Keeping proper perspective is a valuable tool in battling discouragement.  Not allowing the emotion of the moment to carry you away is key.  Others will try to derail you from the task at hand.  Others will try to deflect your words, actions and direction.  Know where you are going.  Be realistic.  Stay focused on where God wants you to be and let him strengthen you for the task at hand.