Discouraged? Watch out!

Periods of sadness and loneliness are common among all of us.  Whether you've been hurt by a family member, let go from your job, slandered by a friend or you're suffering due to illness, discouragement is a typical valley we must all pass through.   But it's during these times of melancholy that we're particularly prone to defeat. Understanding this, Absalom's counselor Ahithophel gave this wanna-be king some compelling advice as he hunted down his father, King David, in the wilderness.  Ahithophel said "Let me choose 12,000 men to start out after David tonight.  I will catch up with him while he is weary and discouraged" (2 Samuel 17:1-2).  Why?  Ahithophel knew that David would be especially vulnerable when he was battle-weary and blue.

But the Bible gives us the antidote for this heavy-heartedness.  It says over and over in the Psalms "Why are you so downcast, O my soul?  Put your hope in God" (Psalm 42:5, 6, 11; 43:5).  When you meditate of God's perfect character - his faithfulness, his forgiveness, his goodness, his love - your fear and depression are replaced with HIS version of confidence and hope.

Listen friends:  God is the One who knows the way out of the melancholy you're in.  Trust his immaculate character traits to not only override your hurt but drive your heart towards the Light at the end of your tunnel.