When You Feel Discouraged: 3 Biblical Steps to Recover Your Hope

Dear Sister,

Have you received bad news that made you want to sit down and give up the fight? I know I have. It is discouraging when we work so hard for something, and then, through circumstances beyond our control, everything comes crashing down. In these moments, we wonder if we can keep pressing forward. How do we recover from discouraging circumstances?

We can learn about recovery from the life of David. In 1 Samuel 30, before David became King, he and his men returned from battle to find that their homes had been burned and their families kidnapped. Scripture says they "wept until they could weep no more.” (1 Samuel 30:4 NLT).

The first lesson we learn from David is that it is ok to mourn painful circumstances. There are many different circumstances that bring grief into our lives. A new health diagnosis, loss of a job, loss of a loved one, a change in circumstances, or loss of a friendship can cause deep sorrow.

Jesus reminds us of this truth when He says, “God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matthew 5:4 NLT). When we bring our grief honestly before the Lord, He promises comfort.

David's men grew bitter, considering stoning him because of their difficult circumstances. “But David found strength in the Lord his God.” (1 Samuel 30:6b NLT).

This leads us to the second step of recovering from discouragement: seek God's direction.

David cried out to God in prayer, asking what to do. We have the same opportunity today. When discouragement comes, we can either become bitter and despondent in our circumstances, looking to blame others, or we can cry out to God for direction.

We have been given the Word of the living God to guide us. “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” (James 1:5 NLT).

When we cry

out to God in prayer and read the Bible, he promises an answer. It will not always be what we want to hear, but when we listen, we are given instructions beyond our own understanding. (Isaiah 55:8-9).

We can trust in God’s guidance in the most difficult circumstances. Peace will come when we realize God’s presence is with us and we listen to His direction.

After David prayed, God answered him, “Go after them. You will surely recover everything that was taken from you!” So David and his 600 men set out,” (1 Samuel 30:8b-9a NLT). David then met a man along the journey who guided him to the enemies who held their families. David and his men destroyed the enemies and rescued their families.

This brings us to the final step in recovering from discouragement: obey the direction God gives you.

Sometimes we may not receive a direct answer from God like David did, Instead, God may guides us through circumstances, or people He places in our path - like the man who helped David on the road. We should anticipate that God will answer our prayers when he calls us in a specific direction. Jesus said, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it." (Luke 11:28 NIV). There is a special blessing of peace for us that comes when we trust God enough to obey Him. God will give us comfort, peace, and strength to accomplish hard tasks when we listen and obey.

Discouraging circumstances can weigh heavily on our hearts, leading to despair, bitterness, and depression. Through David's life, we can see a path forward.

Recovery begins by mourning what was lost, seeking God's direction through prayer and reading God's Word, and obeying what the Lord empowers us to do.

The road he calls us to may be difficult, but "those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.” (Isaiah 40:31a NLT). Be encouraged, my sister. The God of angel armies is with you. He loves you. He will strengthen and guide you on the next step of your journey.