Discouragement

Have you ever felt discouraged? I certainly have. Sometimes it is because an obstacle or a challenge has parked itself dead center in the road. You thought you were almost there but then BAM! You have to slam on the breaks and figure out how to get through. All of the sudden you have to reassess the entire journey, just to see if you can get past this one section. Other times its because you don't know if you have what it takes to go on. You lack confidence in your ability to push through the difficult parts and wonder if you'll ever reach the destination.

When I feel discouraged, the best thing to bring me back is always scripture. 

These are some of my favorite passages that help me to remember that though I am weak, God is strong enough to help me through the obstacles and challenges I face.

Psalm 23:3-5

He restores my soul;

He leads me in the paths of righteousness

For His name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil;

For You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

You anoint my head with oil;

My cup runs over.

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Psalm 34:17-19

The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them;  he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all;

Psalm 147:2-4

The Lord builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the exiles of Israel. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name.

Isaiah 43

1 Peter 5:5-10