Dealing with Discouragement

(4-9-23)

"(6) Say therefore to the people of Israel, 'I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from slavery to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment. (7) I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God, and you shall know that I am the LORD your God, who has brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. (8) I will bring you into the land that I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. I will give it to you for a possession. I am the LORD.'"

(9) Moses spoke thus to the people of Israel, but they did not listen to Moses, because of their broken spirit and harsh slavery."

Exodus 6:6-9 ESV

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The Israelites worshipped God when they first heard of God's promise to deliver them from slavery in Egypt ( Ex. 4:31 ). Yet, they easily became discouraged at the first setback that came when Pharoah refused to let them go and made their workload heavier ( Ex. 5:1-9 ). In response to the Israelites' discouragement, God spoke to Moses and commanded him to remind the Israelites to trust His promise to free them ( Ex. 5:22-6:8 ). Instead of responding to Moses in faith and with trust that God is still working despite the setback, the Israelites ignored Moses' words to them and continued to focus on the problem set before them (Ex. 6:9).

Too often, trials and tribulations in our lives can also leave us discouraged. However, we need to remember that God is sufficient to help us through whatever problem we are facing. No matter how long the problem has gone on or how much it hurts, God can handle it and will help us through it if we let Him. Unlike the Israelites, don't let trials leave you in a position of unbelief in what God can do. Neither should you allow them to distract you from what God's Word says is true. Turn your attention to God in the midst of discouragement and trust Him with whatever setbacks you are facing in your life. As you trust Him, you will be able to see God's power in delivering you from the circumstances you are struggling with.

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God, You are good and are more than capable to bring me through the trials that I'm facing in my life. Please help me when I'm discouraged to not focus on my problem. Instead, please help me to focus my attention on You and to remember that You are able to deliver me from whatever I'm facing. Thank You for Your help.

In Jesus' Name, I pray, Amen.