We watch the news and wonder what happened to our nation. We see evil celebrated, biblical truth rejected, and hostility toward Christianity increasing. Even in our own lives, disappointments, unanswered prayers, and difficult circumstances can leave us asking, “Why isn’t life better than this?”
But what if our discouragement points to something deeper?
Today’s readings reveal two very different responses to hardship. Israel had God’s miraculous provision every day, yet remained dissatisfied. The early church faced intense persecution, yet experienced remarkable joy as the gospel spread.
What’s the difference?
And could the secret to lasting peace and contentment have far less to do with our circumstances than we imagine?
Have you ever wondered why discouragement often comes right after a spiritual victory?
You finally see God answer a prayer. You experience a breakthrough. You make progress in an area where you’ve struggled. You have a wonderful time with the Lord.
And then, unexpectedly, discouragement comes crashing in.
Why does that happen?
That’s exactly what happened to Elijah.
One moment, he was standing on Mount Carmel watching God send fire from heaven. The next, he was hiding in the wilderness, convinced he was alone, that nothing was changing, and that his ministry had failed.
What happened?
How could a man who had just witnessed one of the greatest miracles in Scripture become so discouraged that he asked God to take his life?
And perhaps more importantly, what did God do for Elijah—and what does that teach us about our own seasons of discouragement, disappointment, exhaustion, and spiritual fatigue?
Today’s reading provides hope for anyone who feels weary, overwhelmed, or ready to give up.
Are you tempted with discouragement? Do you feel like caving in or giving up? Do the news reports and other things going on around you have you anxious and worried? Maybe it’s your family’s finances and the general uncertainty of life? Maybe it’s health concerns, family problems, or something else. Or maybe it’s your own unsettled heart. What does God’s word say about discouragement, and what will help?
In today’s post … we’ll talk about those times when you feel worn down and discouraged by your circumstances. Maybe you’re exhausted from dealing with a strong-willed child, a difficult marriage, or some other family issue. Maybe you have suffered a devastating loss over the past year and the holidays were especially difficult. You may have lost a job or had some other financial setback. Or maybe you’re worried about rising costs or a medical diagnosis.
You may be so discouraged you’re tempted to give up altogether. How do you keep going when life seems so full of challenges?
Are you faced with a problem that you don’t understand? I know I’ve got a few. There are relationship issues that haven’t sorted themselves out and some doors that are shut for no logical reason. There are questions with no obvious answers, family members who have been hurt unnecessarily, and challenges I wish weren’t there. How about you? How can we face those things without losing our faith and trust in God? And could they actually be God’s protection in some way?
Depression, if you’ve ever suffered with it, you know it can be a dark, discouraging place to be. At its worst, it’s been called the “dark night of the soul.” But there is hope for those experiencing discouragement, depression, and hopelessness.
Today we’ll start looking at people in biblical times who experienced feelings of
