Have you ever reached a point in your life when you just want to throw your hands in the air and say: “Why bother?” Well, you are not alone. We have all experienced that at one time or another in our lives. When certain expectations are not met we tend to become disappointed, which can lead to discouragement if not handled carefully.

Mrs. Marilyn Hodge

The Bible is not silent on the subject of discouragement. There are many examples given in the Scripture of those who were discouraged. Some prime examples are Moses, David, Elijah, Jeremiah all powerful prophets or leaders.Some of them experienced deep depression - some to the point of wanting to die and actually asking God to kill them.
Another one of the greatest heroes of the Old Testament who found himself in that state, and needed a serious dose of courage, was Joshua. He was given an impossible task to perform with an improbable people. God knew Joshua's concerns and his fears but God also knew what Joshua was able to accomplish. Before Joshua took command of Israel, God spoke to him and said, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified. Do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go,” (Joshua 1:9).
You see, God has never given us more than we can bear. Whatever he has called us to do he has already equipped us with the necessary tools. Therefore, in times like these, when we find ourselves in that state of mind, we too need to draw strength from the Word of God. For discouragement produces uncertainty, frustration and anxiety and has the tendency to suppress our positive abilities, while encouragement gives us confidence and boosts our energy level which in turn increases our efficiency.
God had already given Joshua the command to lead Israel into the Promised Land. It was a command that required a great commitment. Joshua needed to lead Israel into battle against some of the strongest armies they would ever face. What he needed to do was to stay focused and trust God to work things out.
We need to learn that lesson, as well, if we are to combat discouragement. The five principles that were given to Joshua are worth implementing:

1) Be Strong
Stand strong. Strength is not just about the amount of weight you might be able to lift. Strength is also about personal endurance, mental toughness and emotional stability. Joshua needed all these facets of strength to move the people of Israel forward to follow God.
2) Be Courageous
Courage is the ability to face down your fears and overcome them. Courage gives us the ability to stand firm when everyone around us is giving in. Courage is the raw desire and determination to stay on course with God regardless of the personal cost.
3.) Do Not Be Afraid
Fear can hold us back in life more than any other emotion. Fear can keep us from moving forward with God because when we are focused on fear we cannot walk in faith. Faith and fear do not and cannot mix. We will either give in to our fears or we will overcome them through faith. This was the lesson that Joshua needed to learn that day. When God calls us to act, we cannot be afraid because if He has called us, He will also be with us.
4) Do not be discouraged
Discouragement is a disease of the heart, the soul, the mind and the spirit. Discouragement will drain people of every positive thought that they possess and create a negative spirit around them. When discouragement strikes we need a fresh supply of courage to be injected into our lives. Encouragement is simply the process of being filled with courage. Discouragement is the process of being sapped of your courage.
5) Remember you are never alone
Joshua felt alone. Moses had died and now he was expected to lead Israel. God was giving Joshua a reminder that nothing would ever cause God to leave his side. Joshua was given a formula for spiritual success. If Joshua made the choice to follow God every day, he would not fail in life. The same is true for us today.
God offers us strength, encouragement and the promise of His presence through every circumstance in life. The choice is ours: we can walk with God or we can walk on our own. Which do you choose?

Remember - Discouragement is not the absence of adequacy but the absence of courage.

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