Discouraged? Read on...

Discouraged? One little thing that helps is to go immediately and encourage somebody.

Discouragement muffles the pleasant words of encouragement; when we are discouraged who do we have a tendency to think about more than anyone?  Yes, that’s right—ourselves. We get in the pity parties and think it is only us.

Consider Jesus for a moment.  Think of the words of John 14:1-6—well known as a passage of encouragement, peace and hope.  When we consider the context beginning in John 13:21 through chapter 14, note the ones struggling…it wasn’t only the apostles:

• Jesus was “…troubled in spirit…” (13:21). The One pleading with others not to have a troubled heart was troubled!  A troubled spirit is defined as the “rational soul; mental disposition.”  In other words, Christ knew of His impending death, thus the struggle…and others things, no doubt, was bearing upon Him as well.
• He acknowledged that one would betray Him (13:21-30), that being Judas. One of the twelve!
• He advocated “love one to another” (John 13:35)…between one betrayal and as we’ll see one denial.
• He addressed Peter (13:36-38), that Peter would deny Him three times. 

 Christ’s grief and struggles were much greater, yet He comforted the apostles.  Amazing!  What a Savior!  He did it; so can we! It reminds me of those sweet words in that hymn, Follow Me:

"I work so hard for Jesus" I often boast and say
"I've sacrificed a lot of things to walk the narrow way,
I gave up fame and fortune, I'm worth a lot to Thee"
And then I hear Him gently say to me,
"I left the throne of glory and counted it but loss,
My hands were nailed in anger upon a cruel cross,
But now we'll make the journey with your hand safe in mine,
So lift your cross and follow close to me.

                You know, maybe…nah, no maybe to it…the things that discourage me can be addressed and worked with when I look at my Savior. Imagine what all He faced the night before His death!

So, try this…visit a nursing home or rehab facility.  Walk in the door with the aim of encouraging someone and when you walk out that door, you will see the difference in your life. Wave and speak to every soul you pass. Find those couple of folks you know and sit a spell.

Visit with your fellow Christians; give and receive encouragement. Find those sweet folks that can’t get out as much anymore and pay them a visit. Sit a spell. 

“Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad” (Prov. 12:25).  Our hearts will be lightened with the good words we express.

Give it a shot! In the valley of discouragement? Look up…there’s the mountain just ahead...as you leave the Wildwood.