(3) The Sources of Our Discouragement

So, what leads to our bouts with discouragement? Too many sources to mention! And, it’s different for everyone. There’s not cookie cutter discouragement. But, while you and I will certainly face very different specific circumstances in life, there are some general things that everyone has in common when it comes to discouragement. Let’s briefly look at these general sources of discouragement together.

I can become discouraged by any number of outside forces, but I actually don’t need to look outside my own skin to get discouraged. I have enough problems with my own fallen nature to get me discouraged. And, I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one with this problem. All of us, from time to time are going to become discouraged with OURSELVES.

We all have to deal with our own failures and sins. And this can lead to discouragement. Hey, even the great spiritual giant, the Apostle Paul dealt with this discouragement.

Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?  (Romans 7:24 NLT)

But even when we rest in God’s grace and forgiveness for our failures and sins, we can still have to deal with discouragement with OTHERS. People are going to let us down. Sometimes they will be downright unkind, even hateful and abusive.

Listen to me, you who know what is right, you people who are aware of my law! Don't be afraid of the insults of men; don't be discouraged because of their abuse! (Isaiah 51:7 NET)

Another reason we can become discouraged is because of outright OPPOSITION. People criticize, condemn and complain and sometimes will do everything they can to bring us down.

But although we suffered earlier and were mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the courage in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in spite of much opposition. (1Thessalonians 2:2 NET)

So then I ask you not to be discouraged over my afflictions on your behalf, for they are your glory. (Ephesians 3:13 CSB)

There’s one final reason for the discouragement we face in life, OBSTACLES. It can be a matter of time, money or other resource that is lacking. It can be information we can’t get or a problem we can’t solve. It could be some government regulations or employer’s policies. Or, any number of other obstacles.

Nehemiah faced some serious obstacles in his life. First, Jerusalem was in ruins, and second, he was in exile under the authority of a pagan king,. He wanted to see Jerusalem restored, but faced seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

So the king asked me, "Why are you looking so sad? You don't look sick to me. You must be deeply troubled." Then I was terrified, 3but I replied, "Long live the king! How can I not be sad? For the city where my ancestors are buried is in ruins, and the gates have been destroyed by fire." (Nehemiah 2:2-3 NLT)

No wonder we get discouraged at times! When it can come at us from within ourselves, from all sides through others, opposition, and obstacles, it’s no wonder we can struggle with walking in victory over discouragement.

As we move forward in our study of biblical principles for defeating discouragement, we will discover help to win over this discouragement. We will discover hope and encouragement. Stick with me and let’s discover victory together.

Next:  The Surface Causes of Discouragement