WHEN YOU ARE FEELING DEPRESSED OR DISCOURAGED:
We all at times get down, even to the place of depression, or get discouraged at the ways things are, the load we carry, or from a sense of loneliness. Many times we just need a revival of heart, (revival of the way we think, the way we feel and the way we make choices. The revival we need is not a church meeting but a renewed meeting with the Father and His Word about what is going on within us. Because typically when we are down and feel this way we are not so ready to take advice from anyone, even those close to us and love us the most, and we typically take on a victim mindset. It is common even for a Christian, yet for a believer it is not common and very dangerous to stay in this down, lonely, discouraged, or depressed stage. Therefore, here are some Scriptures to think on, be revived on and to pray on to be encouraged by and hopefully break the cycle and restore the soul to a place of God's joy and peace. Many are Scriptures we know well, but don't let the familiarity of the Scripture rob you of the true impact of the Scripture. Take your time with these Scriptures, don't rush through them. Life is not a 100 yard dash but a marathon. Enjoy the journey as much as we believe we will enjoy the destination. Philippians 4:4-7 ESV Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. (5) Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; (6) do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (7) And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:8 ESV Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Deuteronomy 31:8 ESV It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed." Psalms 34:17-19 ESV When the righteous cry for help, the LORD hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. (18) The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. (19) Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all. Psalms 40:1-3 ESV To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry. (2) He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. (3) He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD. Psalms 3:2-5 ESV many are saying of my soul, there is no salvation for him in God. Selah. (3) But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. (4) I cried aloud to the LORD, and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah. (5) I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the LORD sustained me. Psalms 42:11 ESV Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. 1 Peter 5:6-7 ESV Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, (7) casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. John 16:33 ESV I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 ESV (3) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, (4) who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 1 Peter 4:12-13 ESV Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. (13) But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. Isaiah 41:10 ESV fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
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Do you need encouragement today?
Is the Holy Spirit leading you to bring encouragement to someone today? Encouragement: In the Old Testament This is the Hebrew word "châzaq" (khaw-zak), and is used 309 times in the Old Testament. It is translated as "to fasten upon, to seize, to be strong, to be courageous, to strengthen, to repair, to make hard, to cleave, to be constant, to cure, to prevail, to fortify, to help, to be mighty, to aid, and to establish." Encouragement: In the New Testament This is the Greek word "parakaleō" (par-ak-al-eh'-o), and is used 108 times in the New Testament. The Greek prefix "para" means "to come along beside." It is used in the word paragraph. The Greek word "parakaleo" is translated as to call near, to invite, to invoke, to comfort, and to exhort. Acts 20:35 ESV In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Romans 15:4 ESV For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Jeremiah 29:11 ESV For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” John 16:33 ESV I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Isaiah 41:10 ESV Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Mark 11:24 ESV Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. We know that believers will have times that are tough.
Some believers have been given a burden to carry that is extreme and one that we are glad we don't have to carry. Some believers are care takers of a loved one that requires around the clock care, and many times that means missing the fellowship of the saints and the preaching of the Word. How can we help? We can visit, call, email, or text an encouraging word from God's Word that will help in lifting up their arms, their hearts, and their mind when they have to stand in their place of responsibility. I know the Word of God says that David encouraged himself in the Lord, (See 1 Sam.30:6), but there were also times that David was encouraged by others. AND...there were times that others discouraged David by what they said or did or didn't do. We can do or say the wrong thing when someone needs a touch or word from a friend. To ensure that we do or say the right thing, we should limit our yes and amen to whatever the Word says about encouraging one another. Encouraging one another is a command. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. Encouraging one another requires that we watch what we say. Ephesians 4:29 ESV Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Encouraging one another requires planning and having a face to face time, Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Encouraging one another lifts the weight of a man's heart. Proverbs 12:25 ESV Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad. Encouraging one another help keep someone from falling into sin and having his heart hardened. Hebrews 3:13 ESV But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Encouraging one another strengthens everyone involved. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 ESV Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.  ENCOURAGE, BUILD UP, AND STIR UP:
1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV (11) Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. The Greek word for "edify" or "Build" in 1 Thess.5:11 means to be a house builder or to construct. We have enough gloomy Gus' running around ready to cut down or tear down. Why do we think we always need to be funny at someone else's expense? Well, because of the old nature, it is certainly easier to put down, tear down and destroy, to make ourselves feel good and look good in our own eyes. But we are not suppose to walk in the old Adamic nature. The new man of Christ being formed in us exalts, builds up and edifies others greater than ourselves. The next time you are getting ready to make a "smart aleck" sarcastic remark, stop yourself and ask yourself, "What is in my heart that I feel like I need to tear down instead of building up?" Remember, out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. Ephesians 4:29 ESV Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, (25) not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. |
AuthorCharles Morris. Founder and Senior Pastor of RSI Ministry, RSI School of Ministry, and RSI Publishing L.L.C.. Archives
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