Springtime in Georgia rarely arrives without fanfare. While many anticipate the brilliant pink and white azaleas, others stock up on antihistamines and await the onset of the sneezing season. This past spring, the pollen was especially intense. One morning, my husband and I were amazed to see an ominous cloud of pollen visibly hanging in the air. Our noses and throats bore witness to nature’s invasiveness.
Numbers 13 records the story of the 12 spies appointed to check out the Promised Land. You might recognize the names of Joshua and Caleb, but the other 10 also impacted an entire generation of God’s people. Their names aren’t memorable, and their stance was regrettable: God’s promises weren’t possible (Numbers 13:28-29, 31-33). Like a fine dusting of pollen, their discouragement covered the people, and their words of fear choked out faith in the greatness of God. Weeping, the people cried out to return to Egypt where bondage felt safer (Numbers 14:1-3).
Discouragement is a sneaky enemy because it leads to a slow bleed, a gradual erosion. As the battles become difficult and the results delayed, discouragement settles in, layer upon layer, until we’re ready to give up. Forty years after the 10 spies brought their discouraging message, Moses reminded Joshua—who was about to lead the people into the Promised Land—to “be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
We have the choice to become covered with disbelief or faith. Joshua trusted God’s promises so much that he voiced them to others (Joshua 1:6,9,10:25) and, consequently, led an entire nation into God’s freedom. It begs the question: What are our lives reflecting to others—discouragement or deep trust in God?
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 1 Kings 1:5-27
More:
Read Proverbs 4:23, 13:12, and 15:13 to learn more about the role of the heart in dealing with discouragement.
Next:
What has caused you to feel discouraged recently? How can you learn to trust God more and not “give up”?
will77 on April 11, 2011 at 4:47 am
Thank You for a good word, I have been in a bit of a negitive spiral latley about self and goals that just seem to move further away without sucess. Giving up is not an option. Trusting God in everything is what I need. I need to learn how to guard my heart better, from discouragement and keep looking to Jesus the author and finisher of my faith
regina franklin on April 12, 2011 at 8:03 pm
Dear will 77–May you be aware of the presence of the Lord this week and may you know deep in your spirit that He has not forgotten you.
eppistle on April 11, 2011 at 6:47 am
When discouraging circumstances take place, we have a choice: Let the circumstances make us discouraged or let our faith overcome the discouragement (I John 5:4). Our response is determined by whether our joy is found in the Lord or in our circumstances.
regina franklin on April 12, 2011 at 8:05 pm
Dear eppistle–so very true. I am continually reminded of the faith chapter–of those who stayed steadfast and immovable in the faith, despite their circumstances.
sowharvest on April 11, 2011 at 9:22 am
Regina
What a timely message. I know that GOD used you this morning to speak to my discouragement. I was just like the Israelites this morning ” cried; and the people wept” Num. 14:1. And as I was reading this devotional and asking the Lord to just help me overcome this discouragement– the Holy Spirit bought to mind the words of Jesus to Matha. [Now i just heard these again yesterday and so I know that GOD knew I would be feeling discouraged today] ” saith I not to you that if you would believe then you shall see the Glory of GOD” Jh 11:40. So the Holy Spirit is reminding me to not give up and to “faint not” because I just hold on then I will see the hand of GOD deliver us from this hardship and struggle. May GOD bless you Regina for the words that really spoke to my hurting. Amen.
regina franklin on April 12, 2011 at 8:07 pm
Dear Sowharvest–thank you for your words of encouragement! What a beautiful reminder from a very painful place in Martha’s life. It fits perfectly with a scripture the Lord placed in front of me on Sunday–Psalms 60:11-12.
GChoo on April 11, 2011 at 9:31 am
In this difficult economic situation, natural disasters and civil uprising around the world, it is especially important to be reminded of God’s promises of hope in Him.
May we continue to pray for our continuous trust in our Great and Almighty God who created everything and us human beings in this world and the universe. To continue to seek His Word each day so that we are encouraged and to bring this blessing to those in need too.
regina franklin on April 12, 2011 at 8:10 pm
Yes–and a strong reminder that we were not made for this worldand that what we experience is but a shadow of what is to come.
daisymarygoldr on April 11, 2011 at 1:49 pm
It all depends on how we see things. Discouragement sets in when I see people or problems through my eyes, like the 10 spies. It makes me give up in disbelief because I’m convinced God’s promises aren’t possible.
On the other hand, deep trust in God develops when by faith I see it through His eyes—the way Joshua and Caleb did. Faith is not pretending we can see. It is based on the knowledge we gain by hearing God’s Word. Knowledge also, is not intellectual head knowledge. It is founded on proven facts of God’s mighty works which He did both in ours as well as the lives of others.
Circumstances though, can be scary and intimidating—especially when our battles are not against flesh and blood. Isaiah 41:10 encourages us “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” And if God is for us, who can be against us?
regina franklin on April 12, 2011 at 8:26 pm
Well said!
cuddles on April 11, 2011 at 2:25 pm
The reason I had become so discouraged was because I saw the bad stuff that was happening as punishment. I was focusing too much on myself. Life throws the same difficulties at us all except as a believer I should be able to deal with it better if God is having his way in my life. I started to realize that the discouragement was because I was no different to unbelievers and did not have the faith I through I had. I was envious of people who I knew had been through worse than me and their faith still shone through. Worse than this I doubted God’s love for me and became very angry with God, myself and other people. I now know that this is a fallen world and I am going to be discouraged at times, but it is about trusting God. I have went with my own reasoning and I have trusted people, both times, God has shown me that my trust is misplaced so I have finally got the message to put my trust in him.
regina franklin on April 12, 2011 at 8:25 pm
Dear Cuddles–the Lord continually reminds me that the reward of faith is not getting the outcome I desire but rather, it is His very presence. May His peace surround you in all circumstances.
pjp on April 11, 2011 at 9:41 pm
tnx very much Regina, God bless you.
regina franklin on April 12, 2011 at 8:13 pm
Dear pjp–thank you–may the Lord continue to be your encouragement this week.