All of us have dealt with discouragement at some point. Discouragement comes in different forms. When we are discouraged, we do not work as hard and we lose focus. We lose our motivation. Discouragement will defeat us every time if we allow it. It is not a matter of whether we get discouraged, but how we handle it. What is the best way to overcome the discouragement we experience in our lives?

Whenever we feel discouraged, we need to put our trust in God. 1 Peter 5:6-9 says, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.” In order for us to put our trust in God, we need to be humble and realize He can get us through any situation.

Something to help in avoiding discouragement is knowing that our good work is not going unnoticed. Paul reminded us of this in 1 Corinthians. 1 Corinthians 15:57 – 58 says, “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”

We need to stay strong in our faith and strive to overcome difficult situations!