1. Discouragement is a universal problem.

• The best of people become discouraged - get the blues, get down in the dumps, have periods of depression.

• This is a common problem among Christians.

• Preachers

• Elders

• Teachers

• Parents, children, husbands and wives

• We all get down. The fatal problem is staying down.

• Discouragement's causes failures in every area of life

• Many Christians will fail to reach their potential and and perhaps heaven itself because of discouragement.

2. God does not want us to become discouraged and despondent. (Matt. 14:27; Mk.6:50; Jno. 16:22, 24; Matt. 9:22; Lk. 8:48; Phil. 3:1; 4:4).

1. Elijah (l Kgs. l9:1-4). See l Kgs. l9:5-17, 18.

• Physical exhaustion was a part of his discouragement and feeling of hopelessness.

• Losing faith in others and depending on his own limited knowledge was a big factor in his despondency.

2. David (Psa. 42:5, 6, 11; 43:5).

• Put hope and trust in God (Psa. 42:5; 42:11; 43:5).

• Counted his blessings (Psa. 42:5,8,143:5).

• Prayed unto God (Psa. 42:8).

• Desired to go to house of God (Psa. 43:3).

3. John the Baptist (Matt. 11:2-6; Lk. 7:19-23).

1. Illness

• Good people can become ill. (2 Cor. 12:7; Phil. 2:25-30; l Tim. 5:23; 2 Tim. 4:20; Job 2:7).

• We should pray and try to regain our health.

• We must not let illness destroy faith.

• We must resolve the illness will make us better, not bitter.

2. Loss of material possessions

• It is disappointing to lose material possessions, but not the end of world. (Job l:21).

• We brought nothing into world and we can take nothing out. (l Tim. 6:7).

• Everything we have really belongs to God (Psa.24:1), and God will provide for our needs. (Matt. 6:33; Phil. 4:19).

3. Loss of loved ones through death or separation

• Death of parents, a child, spouse, friends, etc. can cause discouragement.

• The loss of a mate or child or someone else close can bring on depression.

4. A sense of insecurity (Psa. 37:25; Matt. 6:33; Phil. 4:19).

• God will take care of us.

• We must trust Him and seek His kingdom first.

5. Friends turning on us.

• David, Christ and Paul (Psa. 41:9; 2 Tim. 4:10).

• Christ is a Friend that will never turn on us or against us. See Prov. 18:24.

• Count the friends that have not turned against us.

6. Inability to accept and cope with criticism.

• Should try to grow from criticism.

• All will be criticized regardless of the decision or course chosen.

7. Blighted hopes and dreams

• Business or marriage failed

• College education eluded us.

• Did not get the job or career we wanted.

8. Handicaps

• Handicaps need not handicap.

• Many handicapped people have made great and lasting contributions to the world.

9. Not accepting our limitations

• None of us can do everything.

• All of us are ignorant of most things.

• At best we can do a few things well.

1. Count blessings

• We often dwell on one or a few misfortunes

• It is healthy to count our blessings.

• We will be utterly amazed at the immensity of God's blessings if we will name them one by one.

2. Things are always as bright as the promises of God

• Lost in sin. (Isa. 1:18).

• Lonely. (Matt. 28:20; Heb. 13:5).

• "No one will listen to my preaching." (Isa. 55:11).

• We live in a sinful environment to raise children (Prov. 22:6)

• We should raise our children to be Christians.

• Children are not, however, robots.

• They can choose to do good or evil whether they be 12, 20 or 50.

• We are tired and loaded with burdens. (Psa. 55:22; l Pet. 5:7).

3. Proper rest (Mk. 6:31).

• Physical and emotional exhaustion will cause despondency.

• The tired Elijah became discouraged and wanted to die. (l Kgs. 19:1-4).

4. Keep on trying - never give up.

5. Patience

• Most good things take time.

• Abraham Lincoln went out of business and lost 8 elections before becoming president.

6. Talk to yourself (most do)

• Be positive - Tell yourself you are important. Trust in the promises and power of God.

• See Matt. 9:20-22.

• Some speak only negative things.

• "I'm no good."

• "No one cares."

7. Consider how useless you are when discouraged

• We become useful and harmful to others.

• When discouraged, we do not try to encourage others. (l Thess. 5:11-l.; Heb. 10:24).

8. Remember the cause of discouragement is only temporary.

• Things are rarely as bad as they seem.

• Tomorrow often brings brighter and better things.

9. Be optimistic, upbeat, hopeful

10. Fight Self-pity

• Self-pity whips more people than anything else.

• It is a way to bury ourselves.

11. Remember the Lord is always with you. (Matt. 28:20).

12. Call on friends

13. Believe the fact that you are valuable and desperately needed.

14. Get up and do something for someone else.

15. God will not allow us to be tempted above what we are able to bear (l Cor. 10:13).

16. Remember that problems and discouragement's can build strength.

• A smooth sea does not make a good sailor.

• Some of the best people have suffered many problems and hardships.

17. Pray (Rom. 12:12; 1 Thess. 5:16).

• Philippians 4:4-7

• David (Psa 42:5, 8).

1. It is disastrous to give up.

• We must never, never give up spiritually.

• Sobering thoughts

• Trying times are no time to quit trying

• Quitters never win and winners never quit.

• There are 3 rules for success: go on, go on, go on. (Crane)

2. The Lord will not let us down, will not let us go, or will He let us off.

• Therefore, let us never give up.

• See Hebrews 12:12; Acts 28:15