Overcoming Discouragement - Part 1
Posted by: <@...>
A psalm of Asaph. Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. (Psalm 73:1-2)
Asaph declares that God is good to those who are pure in heart. However, he admits having questioned that statement. In fact, the thoughts he battled made him doubt everything he knew about God. He envied the arrogant and wicked who appeared to completely escape the struggles, burdens and ills that are common to man. He heard them speak without conscience, and others followed them. They seemed carefree and wealthy, and appeared to escape the consequences of their actions. Remembering his own daily struggles, Asaph questions whether living right before God is even worth it. It doesn't make sense, and he concludes that God just isn't fair.
Elijah knew the feeling. "I've had enough," he told God in 1 Kings 19 (paraphrased). "Just let me die." God didn't change Elijah's situation, but He did give him a new perspective on it.
Gehazi needed a new perspective too. In 2 Kings 6, the whole Aramean army was arrayed against Gehazi's master, Elisha. It seemed hopeless until God opened Gehazi's eyes to see who was on his side - the angel army that surrounded and far outnumbered the Arameans.
A different perspective is what Asaph received also. When He entered the temple, he remembered the final destiny of the wicked. He remembered that their world is shifting sand, while the righteous have a firm foundation. He remembered that they lack the guidance of God's ever-present Spirit and the hope of eternity with the Lord. Asaph saw how truly blessed he was, and his hope was restored.
The enemy, Satan, wants to get us so focused on one part of life - a disappointment, an unanswered prayer, a negative opinion, a bad report - that we disregard everything good that God has done or that has ever happened in our lives. Discouragement is a slippery slope that, if not overcome, can lead to depression and even suicide. The good news is that it can be overcome.
How do we overcome discouragement and gain a new perspective on life? We'll discuss that in Part 2.
To subscribe: <adevotionalgroup-subscribe@welovegod.org> To unsubscribe: <adevotionalgroup-unsubscribe@welovegod.org If you have questions: <adevotionalgroup-owner@welovegod.org>