Podcasts about discouragement

See behind the scenes of Joni's portrait of depression here. --------Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org. Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

Message 5.18.25 Luke 7.18-35

Feeling discouraged in your ballet journey? You're not alone. In this episode, we get real about the emotional ups and downs that come with being an adult ballet dancer — especially when progress feels slow or you're just plain burnt out. With guest co-host, Stacy Santos, we dig into practical tips on how to manage seasons of discouragement and reconnect with the joy of dancing. So if you've been in a rough patch (like we have) this conversation is for you... So grab your coffee and let's get into it!Connect with Stacy on Instagram @hey_staceeListen to Stacy's inspiring story here:Part One (episode #9)Part Two (episode #10)Try a new style with Steps on Broadway Zoom Class Schedule!Follow Yelena @ballet_for_allFollow Hannah @thebusybunheadCheck out more resources here:youtube.com/@balletforallonlineballetclasses.comthebusybunhead.comPodcast produced by Mission Bridge Media.www.MissionBridgeMedia.comSee you next time after class! ♥

Series: N/AService: Sun AMType: SermonSpeaker: Caleb Smithson

A daily quote to inspire the mind, gratitude to warm the soul, and guided breathing to energize the body. Quote: Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success. Dale Carnegie Gratitude: Cheering for your team. Root, root, root for the home team. Science says being can can improve your health and happiness. Guided Breathing: Equal Breathing.

Moms, do you ever feel stuck? Anna Mullikin is a life coach who helps moms move from powerlessness to breakthrough, which she describes in the podcast. This podcast oozes and overflows with hope. 00:00 Introduction02:29 Anna's mission03:17 Inner healing04:26 Where does healing power come from?05:06 Role of motherhood- comfort, and breakthrough06:41 Hebrews- the faith of a mom07:42 Breakthrough defined10:24 Discouragement and powerlessness12:58 Exhaustion and overwhelm15:10 Observed changes in a mom17:23 Intro to the coaching components17:58 Next podcastAnna Millikin is a wife, mom, and life coach for moms who are stuck and feel powerless. She brings a message of hope and direction for moms to move toward a preferred or beautiful future. To hear more from Anna, she can be found on Instagram at @AnnaResolved If you want to reach me for any reason, contact me at Laurie@KidStrength4Life.com. To find out more about what we offer, go to KidStrength4Life.com.

A new MP3 sermon from FairHavens Baptist Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: The Source of Discouragement Subtitle: Strength For Today Speaker: Bob Kirkland Broadcaster: FairHavens Baptist Church Event: Devotional Date: 5/13/2025 Length: 6 min.

This blogcast explores “St. Philip Neri: Patron Saint of JOY!" written by Annie Harton and read by Brian Rhude.In this blog post, Annie reminds us of our call to exude joy in our daily lives following the example of St. Philip Neri. In the last days leading up to His passion, Jesus said, “So you also are now in anguish. But I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you” (Jn 16:22). In the wild times we live in, joy sometimes can be hard to find. Discouragement and confusion are often tools of the devil as he tries to distract us from this promise of Christ: joy can ALWAYS be ours. Jesus used the most unimaginable instrument of torture as the awesome instrument of salvation. On Good Friday, the Devil thought he won. On Easter Sunday, God turned the Cross into a gift. If you want to confuse the devil, be joyful. When St. Paul was imprisoned in Rome, one could think his ministry would cease. Instead of giving into discouragement, St. Paul wrote the Epistle of Joy to the people of Philippi thanking them for the blessing that they were to him and encouraging them in their faith. St. Paul stared death in the face a number of times before his beheading in Rome, but we don't have to have these dramatic experiences to embrace our mortality. St. Philip suggests that we “prepare for death and live each day as if it were our last. Fill up days with goodness and don't let them be squandered.” When asked what time it was on his deathbed, St. Philip said, “It's eight… in an hour it'll be nine, then ten, eleven, and midnight.” His companions responded by giggling before going to sleep. His legacy even in his last moments is joy! How can we be apostles of joy today? St. Philip suggests, “Have all the fun you want, but just don't offend God.” He also suggests, “Cast yourself into the arms of God and be very sure that if He wants anything of you, He will fit you for the work and give you strength.” St. Paul says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:4-9). ​Let us ask the Holy Spirit to fill us with an abundance of the spiritual fruit of joy! We pray for the intercession of St. Philip and St. Paul to show us how to radiate joy no matter the circumstances around us. Author:Annie Harton is a proud alumna of Saint Mary's College and the University of Notre Dame. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist, author, and speaker. Her self-published book, Single Truth: You Are More than Your Relationship Status, inspired her to start a business called You Are More. She specializes in helping singles and couples explore how they're more than their diagnoses, their pasts, their jobs, and their relationship statuses while also reminding them that God is more than any problem they bring Him. You can find out more about Annie and inquire about working with her at youaremore.org and annieharton.com Follow us:The Catholic Apostolate CenterThe Center's podcast websiteInstagramFacebookApple PodcastsSpotify Fr. Frank Donio, S.A.C. also appears on the podcast, On Mission, which is produced by the Catholic Apostolate Center and you can also listen to his weekly Sunday Gospel reflections. Follow the Center on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and YouTube to remain up-to-date on the latest Center resources.

A new MP3 sermon from FairHavens Baptist Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Fighting Discouragement Message 2 Subtitle: Strength For Today Speaker: Bob Kirkland Broadcaster: FairHavens Baptist Church Event: Devotional Date: 5/11/2025 Length: 6 min.

Matthew 11:1-15

Whatever your level of success, you will still face discouragement. You may be worth millions or billions, or living one pay period at a time. You can have homes worldwide or live in a modest apartment or house. You can have an impressive financial portfolio or be deep into debt. You can have the title in your job you have always wanted and operate at the top of your game, or you may be working your way to the top, which now seems like a hopeless journey. My point today: Every person, including you and me, will face discouragement in their life.  The issue is not if it will come, but when it comes. This is why I am addressing this real-life problem: WHEN DISCOURAGEMENT COMES. 

How Curiosity Can Lead to Deeper Faith- Doubt is neutral.It's what you do with your doubt that matters...- Doubt will either cause Discouragement that leads toDistance or Doubt will cause Desperation that leads toDepth.- What to do with your doubtsBring your doubts to the presence of Jesus. Run to Gods WordRun to God's peopleMetro exists to help young adults see the beauty of Jesus and seek to know Him personally. Join us every Tuesday night at 7:30 as young adults from all over Houston gather for worship and biblical teaching. Stay Connected: Download the Metro HTX App, or follow the Metro HTX Instagram Metro HTX Young Adults Tuesdays at 7:30pm 7401 Katy Fwy 

No one wants to over-stay their welcome, but it seems that frequently pastors are a little too quick to want to move on to a different pasture. Check out my thoughts about this which I shared on the Leading From Alignment podcast. Check out the video version of this conversation.  The New Testament stories I reference are found in Acts 8:4-8, 26-40; 16:6-10. I blogged about both of these experience in more depth: Philip's story in Don't Try To Grow Your Ministry Paul's story in Interrupted But Not Discouraged If you are in a difficult place in your leadership assignment, I encourage you to check out When Sheep Bite. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

2025-05-04 Avoiding Discouragement with Eye Disciplineby Pastor Chris BergScripture Reference: Philippians 3:17-4:117 Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. 18 For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth. 20 But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. 21 He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.4:1 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord. I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work.

The journey of two disciples on the road to Emmaus illustrates how Jesus meets us in our moments of deepest discouragement. When hope seems lost, Jesus draws near, even though we may not recognize His presence. Through patient listening and biblical teaching, He transforms their despair into renewed faith. This powerful encounter demonstrates how God works through our darkest moments, using His Word and presence to restore hope and purpose.

How do we hold on to hope when life is hard? In this message from 1 Peter 1:1–12, we explore the unshakable, living hope we have through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Whether you’re feeling discouraged, scattered, or uncertain about the future, this passage reminds us that our identity, inheritance, and joy are secure in Christ.

God wants to be first in our lives and help us with the mission He’s given us, but we can put it off and lose the vision. Encouragement for the race ... today on Bold Steps! Many of us at one time have had a clear picture and God given direction shown to us in life, but along the way something happened. Discouragement and distraction set in, and we put off what we were called to do. Today we continue with the book of Haggai and how God stirred people's hearts and restored a vision. We're hoping today's broadcast is sort of a tailwind that pushes you in the direction God is calling you to go. Bold Steps Gift: THE SIX CONVERSATIONS: PATHWAYS TO CONNECTING IN AN AGE OF ISOLATION AND INCIVILITYBecome a Bold Partner: http://moodyradio.org/donateto/boldsteps/partnersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025-04-27 Avoiding Discouragement By Pressing Onby Pastor Chris BergScripture Reference: Philippians 3:12-1612 I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.15 Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. 16 But we must hold on to the progress we have already made.

Through the Fire – Part 3 | Dreams, Dirt & Grace What do you do when you're doing everything right—surrendering, obeying, showing up—and still feel like you're falling apart? In Part 3 of the Through the Fire series, I'm sharing one of the lowest points in my Fire Academy journey. The moment I failed in front of everyone. The moment the whispers got loud—“You're not strong enough. You don't belong here. You're failing.” This episode is a raw look at the heaviness of discouragement, the lies that creep in during the middle of the fire, and the truth that pulled me through. Because even when the outcome doesn't look how we hoped, God is still present. Still refining. Still carrying us. If you're feeling tired, stuck, or like you've lost your way—this one is for you.     If you want to learn how to embrace the Dirt on your journey, come join me over on Substack at kawailani.substack.com

Send us a textFor our devotional today, we will be reading from Isaiah 41:10. In this verse God wants to remind us not only of His love but also not to be discourage or scared. We won't have to worry about anything because God can protect us and whatever we go through in life we won't have to do it alone because He will be there for us. He also wants to remind us that whatever we are going through right now that even though we may not understand it at the moment that one day it will help us be stronger and we can live a victorious life as long as God we walk with Him. Besides, your testimony is so important that what you are going through now or went through in the past can be a blessing to someone else just like the life testimonies you hear in our episodes.My prayer is that you live a life for God. Don't just know Him but have a deeper and more meaningful relationship with Jesus because He loves you. He loves you so much that He died on the cross for you.I hope this devotional blesses you and stay tuned for some more verses and also for some of the amazing and powerful testimonies of people that I interview on how and what happened when they learn on Letting go and letting God handle the worries of life.Stay tuned because the next testimony you will hear is a story of strength from a woman who with God's help was able to let go and escape an abusive relationship and because she let God handle it or I should say because she surrendered it all to God, she now gets to experience joy and peace in her life now. What happen and how was she able to do it? Stay tuned to hear her tell you her story next week.   We also want to say thank you for listening and we would love to hear your thoughts on our devotional and our new series. To our listeners we want to know your thoughts about our conversation, and feel free to answer this question to any of our social media platforms. What Annette and I want to ask you our listeners is if you can share with us your own experience in your life and that you had to Let Go and Let God. What happened after you made the decision to do it, and how did it transform your life? Feel free to answer our question to any of our social media links.Thank you for listening and always remember to "Come to Jesus daily".Connect with us through our Social Media Links:Email us at cometojesuswithannette.mahal@gmail.com Twitter and Instagram: @AnnetteMahal FB: Come to JesusYou can help support our podcast ministry and partner with us reach further to build God's Kingdom by either giving a onetime donation to our coffee podcast ministry or be a part of our monthly supporters. By partnering with us, you will get an invitation to join and be a part of our livestream events as it happens, unlock exclusive post and get a full access to all our bonus/special episodes, shout out to our new members, get a one-time gift for joining, be a part of our special community for our members only, receive a newsletter once a month, and most importantly partner with us as we share God's message to the world and that is by going to:www.buymeacoffee.com/cometojesusYou can also send us a voice message if you are listening in Spotify or by sending your questions or comments to (571)601-0067.

Rising From Discouragement & Defeat | Apostle Moses Mukisa

Do you understand what it means to be "born again"? Today, Joyce explains how spiritual rebirth leads to a new life and a closer relationship with Christ, offering hope and freedom.

Click here to receive today's free gift on the Radio Page: Lessons From a Hospital Bed – Reflecting on ten lessons he learned while recovering in the hospital, John Piper encourages those struggling with illness to fight for faith by focusing on the promises of God, the truth of the gospel, and the reality of eternity. Use the coupon code: RADIOGIFT for free shipping!*Limit one copy per person* --------Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org. Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

2025-04-13 Avoiding Discouragement with Proper Accountingby Pastor Chris BergScripture Reference: Philippians 3:1-111 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you. 2 Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh—  4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

In a society that boasts individualism, the Christian family shows the world that sacrificial service is normal; that we are not independent, but interdependent. -------- Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.     Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org   Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

Series: N/AService: Gospel MeetingType: SermonSpeaker: Bubba Garner

This morning's message is a little different. We're exploring a big idea—mastery—and making it incredibly personal. There are moments in life where your choices don't just impact your future… they shape who you become. These are pivotal human intersections, and you're standing in one now.From the raw power of talent, to the refining fire of process, to the fuel of obsession—this message dives deep into what it means to live a life of purpose and intentionality. It's not about being the best in the world... it's about being the best version of you—the one God imagined when He created you.Cain had a choice. So do you. Sin lurks. Discouragement is easy. Laziness, envy, fear—they're effortless. But mastery, transformation, and becoming fully alive? That takes work. And it's so worth it.Whether you're chasing greatness, stuck in comparison, or just tired of living a lesser version of yourself—this message is for you. It's a call to self-mastery, to spiritual depth, and to radical, obsessive devotion to becoming who God designed you to be.“The most spiritual thing you will ever do… is choose.”⏳ It's your moment. Choose well.—

We LOVE to hear from you! You can text us feedback + suggested episode topics here.

Discouragement can affect even the believer with the greatest amount of faith, and we all have those caves we run to when we feel as though we're alone and just want to give up. But if a great man like Elijah can fall prey to discouragement, how do we prevent it from taking hold of us? Pastor Charles Tapp offers guidance beyond a catchy cliche, and challenges the Christian to be willing to get close enough to those in our midst to understand them. In his message "Running From Hope."

In today's episode comes from Pastor Todd and Katie talk about how to deal with the inevitable disappointments and discouragements that come your way, even as a Christian. God's Will for your life is PERFECT, however you will come across many situations that didn't quite go the way that YOU planned. How do you approach times of disappointment? Do you retreat inward OR do you bring God's Word in the middle of it?NEW EPISODES every Monday & Friday @ Noon.https://www.facebook.com/TheRiverOfTriCities/https://www.youtube.com/@TheRiverofTriCitiesChurchhttps://www.instagram.com/rivertcchurch/?hl=enhttps://www.instagram.com/thelastdayspodcast/?hl=en

Discouragement often follows failure.  But, as Coach Faith Sherrer points out, God's grace stands by to help you get back up on your feet and follow Jesus!For your gift of any amount...you'll receive two copies of The Word Revealed, Jesus Makes Himself Known, one for you and one for someone you care about. Bring life-changing truth to others this Easter through this unique “share this study” resource. These 30 studies in John 1-4 are perfect for:New Christ FollowersSeasoned Christians looking to mentor othersAnyone seeking to deepen their understanding of JesusPairs or small groups wanting to grow in faith togetherClick here to get your copies today.Thank you for supporting the mission of Christ.

We hope you enjoy today's Scripture reading and devotional aimed at equipping you for moral and spiritual transformation. Today's Bible reading is Nehemiah 4. To read along with the podcast, grab a print copy of the devotional. ESV Bible narration read by Colin Smith. Follow us on social media to stay up to date: Instagram Facebook Twitter

In today's episode comes from Pastor Todd and Katie talk about how to deal with the inevitable disappointments and discouragements that come your way, even as a Christian. God's Will for your life is PERFECT, however you will come across many situations that didn't quite go the way that YOU planned. How do you approach times of disappointment? Do you retreat inward OR do you bring God's Word in the middle of it?NEW EPISODES every Monday & Friday @ Noon.https://www.facebook.com/TheRiverOfTriCities/https://www.youtube.com/@TheRiverofTriCitiesChurchhttps://www.instagram.com/rivertcchurch/?hl=enhttps://www.instagram.com/thelastdayspodcast/?hl=en

Apr. 02, 2025 - Defeating DiscouragementPastor Keegan WithersPsalm 73 | Study #20250402GUEST

We all get discouraged at times, but sometimes things go deeper and we're more than overwhelmed.  Many now struggle with depression, even young children.  But there is hope! In this episode of THE VERDICT, Pastor John Munro shares a biblical perspective on Discouragement and Depression.

It's a mistake to assume that followers of Christ are immune to discouragement. Even David, who wrote many of the Psalms, struggled with dark moments. In this episode THE VERDICT, Pastor John Munro shares the symptoms and the biblical cure for dealing with discouragement.

3-30-25 PM Overcoming Common Discouragement by Clays Mill Baptist

What do you do when you feel discouraged because of discouragement? Shannon shares about who you can count on to keep you from going under, even when you're flooded with despair.Celebrate and share God's love at Easter with The Easter Code by O.S. Hawkins.Embark on a 40-day journey to prepare your heart and mind for Easter Sunday.  Enjoy daily devotions accompanied by a code word for the day, encouraging scripture, and a prayer. Get this devotional today with your gift of any amount. You'll be glad you did!Thank you for supporting the mission of Christ.

I'm examining how we can fight our way out of discouragement and find victory over that common struggle. Find someone whose faith is strong Paul wrote to the Romans: I long to see you…that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith (Romans 1:11-12). Here's another biblical principle for defeating discouragement: Spend some time with a person whose faith is strong. Let them share their faith with you. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:25). We need to get together more often, even in the midst of our busy lives, because we need each other to stay encouraged. If you've been trying to go it on your own, without fellowship with other believers, you will find discouragement lurking at your door. Stay in the Word For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope (Romans 15:4). Make yourself get into the Word of God. Even if it seems dry and lifeless to you, keep reading. It was written for our encouragement, and if you keep reading, it will encourage you. Focus on Jesus' return In 1 Thessalonians, we are told of the return of Jesus, and Paul writes to encourage each other. When you think you can't take this old world anymore, when it looks like there is no hope on the horizon, when you're just fed up with everything, start talking about Jesus' coming again. How often do you say, "Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus!"? How often do you think, "It may be today!"? The more we think about his second coming, the more we will be encouraged. Don't fight - show up! In 2 Chronicles 20 the prophet, Jahaziel said: Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's...Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you. You're never going to win your battle on your own. But the good news is, it's not your battle. It's the Lord's. You don't have to fight; just show up. God's victories are waiting for you to claim, but he's waiting to see you exercise faith even before you see the victory. "Take heart," Jesus said. We have hope; we have a future; we have his presence and power. We are not alone or desolate. Take heart. I pray you will be able to defeat discouragement in your life.

Are you discouraged? If so, don't feel guilty about it, but don't wallow in it either. It's not a fun place to be. I examine some biblical ways to defeat discouragement. Encourage others One way to cure your own discouragement is to encourage others. Proverbs 11:25 says, ...he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. Instead of looking for someone to pick you up, look around and see who you can encourage. Thank goodness we can be encouragers even when we feel discouraged. And as we become encouragers to others, our own discouragement is lessened. Get to work One good cure for discouragement is simply to get to work. Often when we're discouraged, we're unmotivated, so we do nothing. Then because we've gotten nothing done, we feel guilty, and that makes it even harder for us to get something done. Remember, you begin with the first step, so when discouragement seems to be overtaking you, find something that needs to be done. Then start doing it. Get some rest Of course, you may be discouraged because you've been going too hard and too long, and your body simply needs a rest. Elijah discovered how vulnerable he was to discouragement when he was physically exhausted, so God put him in a spot where he could recuperate and be refreshed with food and sleep. If your body is constantly on the verge of exhaustion, you can't expect to avoid discouragement. Ignore the discouragers around you Are there people around you who are discouraging you with their negativity? Are you listening to others more than you are listening to God? Remember when Jairus pleaded with Jesus to come and heal his little daughter? On the way to Jairus' house some men came from his house and said, "Don't bother coming—she's dead already.” But we read in Mark 5, ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler, “Don't be afraid; just believe.” Others will discourage you if you allow them to. You must learn to listen to Jesus and tune out—ignore—the people who would discourage you. Tune them out; avoid them where possible; change the subject—whatever you must do—but don't let negative people discourage you. Don't catch their disease. Think about what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable—the good reports, not the bad ones. Remember, being discouraged is not a sin, but refusing to take steps out of discouragement is. These biblical principles will work if you practice them.

If you've been discouraged lately, you've probably also felt guilty about being discouraged. But it's good to remember everyone goes through periods of discouragement. I think it's important to emphasize being discouraged is not a sin. God uses people who are discouraged; God understands discouragement; discouragement is a normal and unavoidable emotion we must all deal with. It comes to us in different ways, for different reasons, and at different times, but none of us escape discouragement. However, wallowing in discouragement—that's a different story. Jesus warned us, In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! He said, "I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Discouragement becomes sinful when we refuse to take heart, as Jesus told us to do. What does it mean to take heart? I think we can learn from David, who often fought discouragement. In Psalm 42, David says, My tears have been my food day and night. David is obviously discouraged. He continues, My soul is downcast within me. I say to God my Rock, “Why have you forgotten me?” Identify the discouragement David begins to defeat his discouragement by identifying it to the Lord. No need to put on a face and act like everything's okay. Until you get it out in the open and call it what it is, it will just continue to fester underneath. David is open and honest with the Lord, and he says just what he feels. We need to do the same thing. But note David talked to the Lord about his problems; that's the way we should do it rather than dumping it on others. Talk encouragingly to yourself But he doesn't stop there. After identifying his discouragement, David talks to himself and says, "Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” In the space of eleven verses, David repeats these words to himself three times. He keeps on reminding himself of who God is and who he belongs to. What do you say to yourself when you are discouraged? More discouraging words? That's what most of us do, and we make a major mistake. Sure, you need to pour it all out, but once you get it said, then start saying the right things to yourself. Give a sacrifice of praise—praising when you don't feel it or you don't even want to. One great way to do this is to start reciting all you have to be thankful for—out loud if possible. Sometimes I use the alphabet praise method—finding something about God to thank him for with each letter of the alphabet. It's a great cure for discouragement.

When you're having a problem or a struggle, doesn't it help to know others have faced the same situations? David, Elijah, and Hannah were discouraged. Here are some other discouraged people in the Bible. 4. Naomi Naomi was discouraged because of financial difficulties and terrible loss. Her husband and two sons had both died, and she was left penniless and homeless. "Don't call me Naomi," she told her friends. "Call me Mara (meaning bitter), because the Almighty has made my life very bitter…” (Ruth 1:20-21). It's easy enough to understand her discouragement. Financial difficulties cause a great deal of discouragement for many of us. 5. Mary and Martha Mary and Martha were discouraged because they lost someone they loved, and they had really expected Jesus to save him. After all, Jesus had been healing all kinds of other people; surely, he would come and save his beloved friend, Lazarus, they reasoned. And when he didn't, they were very discouraged; Jesus had disappointed them. "Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died" (John 11:21). Have you ever set an agenda out for the Lord, expecting him to work on your timetable, and then been disappointed when he didn't come through? That can be discouraging. 6. Peter Peter was discouraged because of his own failure. After he denied the Lord three times, Peter went out and wept bitterly, we are told. I imagine he felt he had blown it for good, and he must have been terribly discouraged with himself. How could he deny the Lord, the one he promised never to deny? When I look at myself and see how inadequate I am, how often I fail, how I go back and do the same things over and over I know I shouldn't do, I get very discouraged. In fact, that discourages me probably more than anything else, how about you? 7. Jesus Even Jesus fought discouragement when his friends failed him; when he was misunderstood; when he tried to help, and his help was refused. That really hurts when you have totally good motives, and yet people don't approve or understand or support you. In fact, they may reject you, as they did Jesus. Easy to be discouraged then. Well, it is encouraging to see even these great people of God went through times of discouragement. But now we want to know how they learned to defeat it.

Preview: Anne Stevenson-Yang, author of 'Wild Ride,' explains the curse of the deflation that has now infested the PRC, perhaps for a generation of discouragement. More later. 1900 CHINA

Do you get discouraged? The answer has to be "yes.” If you aren't now, you have been. If you haven't been, you will be. None of us go through life without periods of discouragement. Let's examine practical ways we can defeat discouragement. Did you realize the Bible is full of discouraged people? Let's think about some of the reasons they were discouraged, because they're very similar to the things that discourage us. David Oh, that I had wings of a dove! David wrote; I would fly away and be at rest…I would hurry to my place of shelter, far from the tempest and storm (Psalm 55:5-6:8). David was discouraged because of an enemy who was jealous of him and trying to destroy him. Do you have some people in your life who are consciously trying to do you harm? Are there some people close to you who are jealous or mean or vindictive? That can be very discouraging. Elijah Elijah was discouraged because of exhaustion. After a great spiritual victory, when he called down fire from heaven and destroyed all the prophets of Baal, one little woman scared him to death because she threatened to kill him. And he was ready to give up. "I have had enough, Lord," he said. "Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors” (1 Kings 19:4). I find I am often discouraged after spiritual victories. How about you? Do you often find yourself discouraged just when God has done something wonderful in your life? It's not unusual. Hannah Hannah was discouraged because the deepest desire of her heart had not been given to her. And it was a good and worthy desire—to have a baby she could give back to the Lord. Downhearted and discouraged, in bitterness of soul Hannah wept much and prayed to the Lord for a baby (1 Samuel 1). Some of you are discouraged because of unfulfilled desires. Maybe it's the desire to be married, but the right person hasn't come along. Maybe, like Hannah, it's the desire to have a baby, but your womb has been closed so far. Maybe it's your dreams of serving God in some special way, but the door hasn't opened yet. It can be discouraging. We can certainly see discouragement is nothing new; it's been around since the beginning of time.

Connect with God — on Abide, a Christian meditation app that provides a biblically grounded place to experience peace and progress in your relationship with Christ. Use this biblical meditation, narrated by Bonnie Curry, to center yourself on the truth in God's word. What do you do when someone offends you? Meditate on Ecclesiastes 7:21-22. Allow the music & nature sounds, deep breathing, prayer, and scripture help you connect with God in a new way. For a 30 day free trial of our premium ad-free content, your trusted friend for meditation is right here: https://abide.com/peace Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

How does love bring healing? Today, Joyce teaches how embracing the pain of selflessness leads to growth, freedom, and transformation, allowing God to work in our lives.

Ever wonder why love can be painful? Today, Joyce reveals how "dying to self" brings freedom, healing, and growth, leading to a changed life through love.

Do you ever feel disappointed by others? Today, Joyce shares wisdom on how to quickly forgive and move forward, just as Jesus did, despite human flaws and weaknesses.

Have you ever been disappointed in someone? Today, Joyce discusses the importance of forgiveness and how to overcome disappointment in relationships with grace and understanding.