Dealing with Discouragement (Random Nugget of Goodness Part 2)

9 'Steps' for dealing with discouragement, something we all experience at least once in life.

1) Look Within - Prayerfully examine yourself for the underlying cause.

2) Admit your Discouragement - Denial is deadly, and it guarantees failure.

3) Identify Precisely What You're Discouraged About - Name it; then face it. 

4) Recall the Nature of Discouragement - Disappointments will come and go; Discouragement is a choice you make.

5) Meditate Frequently on God's Word  - Versus such as these are a reminder of God's greatness...

"But you are a shield around me, O Lord; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head." (Psalm 3:3 NIV)

"I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.  I have set the Lord always before me.  Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.  Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay." (Psalm 16:7-10 NIV)

"On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.  Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.  My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me." (Psalm 63:6-8 NIV)

"I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds." (Psalm 77:12 NIV)

"I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways.  I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word."  (Psalm 119:15-16 NIV)

6) Take Your Area of Discouragement to God in Prayer - Ask Him to teach you.

7) Focus on God, Not On Your Situation - Surrender control

8) View the Cause as Coming From the Lord - Find opportunities for growth

9) Confess These 3 Truths:

1. The Father is with me in my pain
2. He is in control of my life and has allowed this to occur for a reason
3. He is a good God who will turn this disappointment into a blessing in His timing.