Battling Discouragement

“Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the Lord, and my right is disregarded by my God”? Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

(Isaiah 40:27–31, ESV)

We hear these verses often, especially the part about finding renewed strength by waiting on the Lord. It sounds easy and simple, and we share this verse to bring encouragement and strength. Why then are we at times left in discouragement and struggle?

If you are like me, the impact of the coronavirus is getting old and beginning to weigh us down. Without being able to be with others, the weight of our fears and worries are starting to get the better of us. Other weights of life are piling up.

What can we do? How do we walk through this? There are no promises I can make to make it easier. There are no guaranteed plans to success on overcoming discouragement and struggle. What I do know is that God remains consistent and reliable and loving. He is at the helm - whether life feels like crashing waves or a peaceful sunset, God is in control.

Make time this week to prayerfully meditate over passages like Isaiah 40, Psalm 118.5-6, Psalm 55.22, and Philippians 4.19. Intentionally include God in whatever it is you are facing and feeling.