Don’t Be Discouraged

Then the people of the land tried to discourage the people of Judah. They troubled them in building,

‭‭Ezra‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

A great work was being done in Jerusalem. The enemies of the Jews tried to stop it in many ways. When none of those worked, they tried to discourage them.

Discouragement is difficult to overcome. Discouragement comes in many ways. It can be from focusing on challenges, or circumstances, or opposition. It can be from words that are said or from things that are done. It can even just come as a general feeling of discouragement without a known cause.

‘Discourage’ literally means to take the courage out of someone.

Like the people rebuilding Jerusalem, I need to fight against discouragement. It shouldn’t surprise me when it comes. It is a common trick of the enemy to stop me from moving forward. Press on through discouragement!

Give and receive encouragement to fight against discouragement.

Lord Jesus, I thank You for Your encouragement today. Use me to strengthen those dealing with discouragement. Amen.