Focus on the Solution to Discouragement

By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

Because of the circumstances surrounding us on the national and international levels, Christians must fervently seek to overcome discouragement.  To discourage literally means to deprive of courage, hope, or confidence.  Discouragement is a weapon of the enemy meant to weaken the army of God.

In our difficult world, we are surrounded, bombarded and often overwhelmed with discouragement. Negativity fills the airwaves, the newspapers and the coffee klatches. A spirit of discouragement has attached itself to many people, even believers.

The spirit of discouragement can be so oppressive that we may neglect to cry out to the Lord for encouragement. We may also be so distraught that we do not recognize the encouragement when it comes. 

We must train ourselves to focus on the solution and not the problem. The solution to discouragement is encouragement.  The root word of “encourage” is “courage.” In other words, if we want to be encouraged, we must be filled with courage.  Therefore, we first must be filled with courage in order to encourage others.

The Lord spoke to Joshua as he was stepping into the role of leadership after the death of Moses: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9).   God is the God of encouragement.

In the Word of God, we will find hope that dispels fear and fills us with courage. Speaking forth the Word causes courage to resonate on the air waves. Declaring the Word allows us to anoint ourselves and others with courage. Meditating on the Word—allowing that truth to become part of our spiritual DNA—enables us to move forward in boldness. 

When we are courageous, we find the confidence to seek solutions.  As individuals and as the body of Christ, we can find solutions that bring us hope and peace in spite of what is happening in the world system.  Teddy Roosevelt once said, “Complaining about a problem without proposing a solution is called whining.” 

Many times the first step in finding a solution begins with a simple question:   “What can I do to improve the situation?” As Christians, our first thought should be to pray. However, seldom do we ask God how to pray.  “Lord, teach us to pray” applies to more than the Lord’s Prayer.

We can gain encouragement by making a list of encouraging scriptures and hiding them in our hearts through memorization and meditation. The Holy Spirit will call them to remembrance in the midst of discouragement. 

Consider these words:

 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Tim. 1:7). 

 "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.'' (John 16:33)

Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).

In our learning to lean on Him, discouragement will be lifted and we can follow the Holy Spirit to that place where He has prepared a table before us In the presence of our enemies.  We will be able to sense His anointing of peace and power.  Our cup of joy shall then overflow in spite of the joy grabbing world around us.