Discouragement is not having courage.
Courage is not just about bravery or being fearless.
Brene Brown writes about courage being the conversation that comes from our heart. She says,
“Courage is a heart word. The root of the word courage is cor – the Latin word for heart. In one of its earliest forms, the word courage meant “To speak one’s mind by telling all one’s heart.” Over time, this definition has changed, and today, we typically associate courage with heroic and brave deeds. But in my opinion, this definition fails to recognize the inner strength and level of commitment required for us to actually speak honestly and openly about who we are and about our experiences — good and bad. Speaking from our hearts is what I think of as “ordinary courage.”
Given the Latin root and the earliest definition of courage meaning to speak your mind be speaking from your heart, discouragement would be a stifling of that speech. Discouragement is not just about your mood it is a condition of your heart.
All of our heart matters should be taken straight to our Father God the keeper, healer and protector of our hearts. The following verses are for strengthening your heart in times of discouragement.
When Discouraged – Wait for the Lord
“Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” Psalm 27:14
This is such a beautiful verse, especially in times when courage seems out of reach. Wait, take some time with Lord, wait for His direction. In the waiting, you receive strength and courage takes up your heart. It’s okay to wait and pray when discouragement is on you.
When Discouraged – Press On
“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3: 13-14
I know when I deal with discouragement, I have a tendency to look at the failings of my past. I get mired in the “coulda, shoulda, woulda” and forget about the now. Focus on the things before you, as in right now, and remind yourself of purpose of it all. The purpose is always Christ. It is always the Kingdom of God. So let go of the past and move forward with courage and assurance that your heavenly Father will not forsake you.
When Discouraged – You are NOT Destroyed
“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;…” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
Never have I met someone who hasn’t experienced nearly every hardship outlined in this verse. The key to all of it is understanding we are not destroyed. You may feel beat up by life circumstances, but you are NOT crushed. You are NOT desperate. You are NOT forsaken. You are NOT destroyed.
When Discouraged – Walk by Faith
For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7
You can’t always depend on what you see or feel as a barometer of where and how God is working in your life. We may be afflicted and perplexed and persecuted and struck down but GOD is working. Draw on your faith reserves. God is in love with you. He has overcome the world. He is working on your behalf whether you see it or not. Ask Him, He’ll show you.
When Discouraged – Do Not Grow Weary
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
Everyone has times when they want to give up. Don’t. I know, easier said than done! Trust in the Word of the Lord, you will reap. Keep on keeping on and you will see the benefits of your good efforts come to pass.
When Discouraged – HE Will Deliver You
“When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.“ Psalm 34:17-19
This verse covers all the possible sources of discouragement and for each reminds you of the rescue available and provided by our Lord. He hears you when you cry out. He delivers you from your troubles. He heals broken hearts. He raises up the crushed in spirit. He lifts you out of everything which brings you down. He is your strength and courage.
When your heart is discouraged and you don’t feel you can tell your heart’s story, call on the Lord. Let your heart be encouraged by the promises of the Lord to rescue you, heal you and never leave you in despair.
When Discouraged – Please share any other verses you use to encourage your heart.
With most of the article written I found myself stuck and in dire need of a good opener. I was completely frustrated and discouraged. Finally, I reached to my husband to help me write it and then it hit me. Somewhat ironically, this demonstrated one of the simplest ways to get over discouragement. Since discouragement can be a fixation on one thought pattern, or problem or situation, reaching out for help, even in the smallest way, can help you break the pattern and set your mind and actions in a healthier direction!
(Love, Courtenay – KB.com Virtual Assistant)
Blessings,
Karen Lindwall-Bourg
“Achieve Levels of Success Worth Celebrating”
*Founder, Karen Bourg Companies http://karenbourg.com
*Owner, President {Inter}National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs/International Christian Mompreneur Network http://nacwe.org
*Founder, RHEMA Publishing House http://rhemapublishinghouse.com
*Founder, RHEMA Lakeside Retreat Center https://www.facebook.com/rhemaretreat/
*Founder, RHEMA Counseling Associates http://rhemacounseling.com
About Karen Lindwall-Bourg
Karen Lindwall-Bourg is the President of the {Inter} National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs [est. May 2010] and the new President of the International Christian Mompreneur Network [est. July 2010], both at http://nacwe.org . She and the NACWE Operations and Leadership Teams work diligently to provide
· Community
· Networking
· Education
· Missions
opportunities to Christian Women Entrepreneurs, Mompreneurs and Nanapreneurs alike all over the world!
Our Core Values are
· Community – we value Connection, Collaboration and Contribution
· Networking – we value Nurture, New relationships and New and innovative offers
· Education – we value Encouragement, Excellence and Expressiveness, and
· Missions – we value Ministry and Making a difference
Karen is wife to Fred, Mommy to 6 kids and 5 in-loves, Nana to “going-on” 12 grandchildren, and treat provider deluxe for a herd of Great Pyrenees who protect their north TX ranch! She is an entrepreneur coach, author, publisher, retreat hostess and more! Learn more about Mastermind groups and “Celebration” coaching with Karen at http://karenbourg.com