I was thinking today… I’m sure we’ve all had times of feeling discouraged. Whether with a job, a project, or a relationship, etc. Times where you keep trying and trying, but you don’t see any progress or fruition and it feels like you are getting nowhere. I think we can all relate to times when we felt like our voice wasn’t heard, when we weren’t really seen by others or we felt pushed aside.

We have to keep in mind that people are flawed, and we don’t always know the personal challenges that others face – so we can’t always count on people to give us that validation. Therefore, we must seek God, we can count on God – always. God hears our voice, He sees us, He knows and understands us. I cannot stress enough the importance of a personal relationship with God.

Discouragement can quickly lead to depression. But God can relate to us, so talk to Him, read the bible, learn how those in the bible dealt with discouragement. What we think may be inaction, might be God leading you down a different path than you think or maybe His timing simply doesn’t match your timing. We don’t know the bigger plans that God has, or the impact we may be having right now on current or future generations. We must have faith that God has you and your situation in His hands. As Pastor Dale says, “Trust in Him and then do the next God honoring thing.”

(Isaiah 41:10) “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

(Luke 12:6-7) “Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

(Psalm 42:5) Why, my soul are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

To God be the Glory,

Lynn Manucci Warrick