Overcoming Discouragement
"Each of us should remember that he or she is a son or daughter of God, endowed with faith, gifted with courage, and guided by prayer. Our eternal destiny is before us. . . . At times many of us let that enemy of achievement--even the culprit 'self-defeat'--dwarf our aspirations, smother our dreams, cloud our vision, and impair our lives. The enemy's voice whispers in our ears, 'You can't do it.' 'You're too young.' 'You're too old.' 'You're nobody.' This is when we remember that we are created in the image of God. Reflection on this truth provides a profound sense of strength and power."
-- President Thomas S. Monson, "Choose You This Day," Ensign, Nov. 2004, 68
He Will Comfort Us
Many . . . suffer heartbreak, loneliness, pain, and setback. These experiences are a necessary part of the human experience. However, please do not lose hope in the Savior and His love for you. It is constant. He promised that He would not leave us comfortless (see John 14:18)."
-- Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Press On," Ensign, Nov. 2004, 103
One of Satans greatest tools is discouragement. In fact, unlike certain temptations that may be unique to some people being discouraged is probably something that all people encounter at one time or the other simply because life is naturally full of all kinds of pitfalls and unfair circumstances. It is so important to rise above grief. Along with discouragement comes fear, fear of what will be... this must be offset with faith. I have found that one way to overcome discouragement is to give service to those who are less fortunate than yourself. Seeing someone in need be happy in what little you provide really speaks loudly that there is no need to be discouraged, but be happy and believing.
Discouragement is a real nemesis for me. I have had Satan whisper to me-its too hard, the Gospel doesn't work, why try anymore, and other temptations of my weakness of discouragement. I have tried viewing it from various perspective, but when God seems silent, it is very very hard especially if you did not do anything seriously wrong. I've done everything right then why don't I get blessed?
It came back to me that God is God and we owe him everything even our lives and breath. If we do not get even a ounce of blessings, we should stay committed, loyal, and faithful. Just being alive is a blessing and even having our heath is such a great blessing. I think I am like my child when he does not get everything that he wants-candy, popcorn, and I cannot wait on the Lord. I have also heard that you can pray to God when those negative thoughts comes into your life. I know why Luther says that every sin comes from a lack of faith, because discouragement causes you to rebel against the Lord and not see the light in the darkness.
I have been a member for 27 years and you think that I would get it! Well I hope this helps people if they are discouraged. God bless.
John