Heart Choices: Overcoming Discouragement -->

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Overcoming Discouragement


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Do you ever become discouraged?  At one time or another I'm sure each one of you has dealt with discouragement.

Lately, it seems I've been there much too long.  I become hopeful and anticipate changes in my current circumstances.  But then it doesn't come through and I'm back to square one.

I can think of a few ways I'd love to deal with my discouragement.

A vacation to the Milliken Creek Inn in Napa, California would be nice.  I can just see myself having breakfast in the garden and sleeping in this comfy looking bed ...

Photo Credit: Milliken Creek Inn & Spa
Milliken Creek Inn
I'm ready to pack my bags!

How often do you seek out ways to help you feel better when you're discouraged?

Each one of you might have a different way of coping with discouragement.

  • Food, especially sweets
  • Alcohol
  • Anxiety medications
  • Shopping
  • Spending money
  • Spending time with a friend
  • Talking it over with a therapist
  • Time with your spouse or loved one
I'm sure you could add to the list.

Although taking a vacation away from it all would be fun and relaxing, it would only be a temporary fix for my discouragement.


As a Christian, I don't want to live my life based on my emotions.  I have to remind myself what the Scriptures say:

John 14:27 – Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:1 – Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.
Philippians 4:6-8 – Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Psalm 138:7 – Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me.
II Corinthians 4:7-9 – But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.


I make the heart choice to believe what the Bible says and as a result I begin to feel better.  
  • I have more peace.  
  • I begin to look at life from a different perspective; a place of gratitude.  
  • Instead of thinking about all that I don't have, I remember the everyday blessings God has given to me.
  • I begin to praise Him.  
  • I find that my discouragement lifts and I'm able to encourage others.  
I know what it feels like to be discouraged.  But I've poured out my heart to the Only One who can truly change things.

Today I'm jamming with The Faith Barista.  Bonnie also asked us to share a moment when we felt close to God.  
I feel close to God when I pray and read my Bible.  And I feel close to God when I am with children.

FaithBarista_FreshJamBadgeG


Blessings and love,

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Debbie Petras
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20 comments:

  1. Ahhh Debbie, I wish I were close enough to you that I could give you a big old hug....so close your eyes and just image a hug from a new friend.....

    We have all felt that discouragement at one time or another....Circumstances can quickly cause us to take our eyes off Jesus and onto the problem we are facing.
    Therein lies the problem, where is our focus....

    I have stumbled many times but thank goodness God's grace is always there for me and He lifts me back up and says "Why don't we tackle this together' instead of you trying to do it by yourself...

    You are a blessing to me.....

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  2. Debbie,

    Thank you so much for this cup of encouragement! I have struggle, as you said, TOO MUCH with discouragement recently, so this just pours into my spirit tremendously!

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  3. Thanks Debbie! Wonderfully uplifting! Pxo

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  4. You are so right about a vacation is a temporary fix. I love how Jesus is our true HOPE. Thank you.

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  5. This was a great post Debbie. It is all soo true. And your also right, we have all been there...this has been a hard year for us as well in many ways. I always come back to the same thing. Looking for the blessing...because it is always there. How the enemy wants to rob us whatever joy we have. Peace, joy, and hope are all choices we make in Him. Thanks for all of this! HUGS, Debbie

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  6. Great message and great verses! I loved when you wrote you make a "heart choice" to believe what the Bible says. That is so important and I have found it to be so true! I am making the heart choice right now to believe and trust in my Lord!

    Blessings, Joan

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  7. Debbie, this was such a wonderful post for me at this time. I fight discouragement almost everyday concerning my Dad's health. Thanks for the scriptures and the inspiring entry. Hugs to you!

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  8. I was just thinking of taking my hubby to Napa for our anniversary. Just might have to look that little place up. Looks beautiful. And discouragement? I am there more often than not. I don't like that it creeps it's ugly head in at all. But I do deal with it. I try to battle it as soon as it comes with the Word of God. And Worship!!!

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  9. And the man of God states, "o my soul why are thou cast down, put your hope in God" when I remind myself of Joshua's statement, I am leaning and trusting in the inner man of righteousness to uplift me, to be the light at then end of the tunnel of discouragment ...I am setting my affections on things above and forgetting the things below ...in other words realizing it is a spiritual journey through a natural land ..It is not about me but about God's Pefect plans and Purposive Will for his name to be made known through me ...then I am encouraged to be given such a privilege to walk in the Holy Steps of Christ...then I am encouraged for if I am following Christ I will find His Resurrection power over this discouragment! Needed to read your post this morning for I woke up with this heavey feeling of disappointment .... ah' emotions are relentless

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  10. We all experience discouragement from time to time - when we have "higher" expectations of others, ourselves and too the circumstances around us...so that discouragement is brought on my none other than ourselves.

    But we have the assurance from our Heavenly Father that He will never leave us nor forsake us! What a promise! It's just "believing it"!!

    Thanks for this post! Wonderful!

    ~Beth~

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  11. Debbie such a beautiful post.

    As much as it is nice to day dreaming - it will never change our circumstances. Wishing them away and hoping it will be different - only steals away the opportunity for God to truly SHINE and LIFT you up out of the circumstance one step at a time where your good is achieved and His glory will be seen.

    As we walk through the seasons of pain, sorrow and lack of understanding - the constant thing we can hold onto is HE IS THERE! Right there. Right in the middle of it! Ready to carry every ounce of our troubles and burdens.

    He has never asked us to carry an ounce of it! He asks us to lay it down and walk in the light He provides for us one step at a time!

    I love you and praying for you!

    I kept hearing Scott's wise words as I read your post - BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE! Wish not your worries away - pray for the grace to get through them!

    XOXO

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  12. Absolutely and Amen...if I had to count on outward displays like a vacation, haven't had one in years, I would be sunk...so yes, I look to the source who is always faithful to bring sunshine into any of the dark areas of discouragement in my life...He is faithful and to Him I give all the Glory...so glad I know the source and don't depend on external things to get me through

    I have also looked for His kisses more...even the smile of my son can brighten and lift the burden...or as I recently posted, four cans of paint and being able to create.

    Blessings to you...I prayed one of the Psalms over you this morning...I know too well the roller coaster of this journey you are on.

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  13. Your heart shines Debbie. And yes, not a one of us doesn't have discouraging times in our lives, sometimes it seems to go on forever. I do think a 'girl weekend retreat' at your place in Napa would be a good plan, but short of that, and beyond that... is our real answer. You've said it perfectly.

    Love you!

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  14. Hello my friend, hey wait for me we'll go together! It surely looks inviting! How ya doin? Just peachy I hope. I saw you're name and I said there's by buddy and gots to go say a big hello, so a BIG HELLO TO YA! HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND GIRLFRIEND! HUGSSSSSSS

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  15. Debbie, I love this post as it so resonated with me, especially when you said the words, ‘Lately, it seems I've been there much too long’.
    Yes, we all go through discouragement at some time or other, but it is recognizing when we have been at that place for toooo looooong! It can so easily turn into a looming giant, that can takes us down the path of frustration, despair and possibly on to depression.

    With the grace of God, it has taken me some time to develop an overcoming spirit. At those times when I do get a little discouraged. I thank God for His listening ear, as I come boldly to the throne and offload my discouragement on Him, knowing that he cares and will take me through it until I have that perfect peace.

    Thanks for sharing have a blessed weekend.

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  16. You are so precious Debbie!

    Have you been reading my thoughts? I've wanted to run away too. Run away from all of the weight of responsibilities on my shoulders. I could deal with joining you on your virtual vacation. :o) Alas, I too must stay and lean on God and His promises. He truly has been faithful to guide me each day. And though I tease, I do LOVE that I can give Him my burdens and He takes them from me -- willingly. Hallelujah!

    Love & squeezes to you!
    Beth

    http://mydestinysharinghope.com/

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  17. Overcoming discouragement... what a timely post for me. I loved the photos of the Milken Creek Inn and Spa, the bedroom looks heavenly. What a lovely, tempting hideaway... but you are so right, any quick, temporary fix does not solve the problem.

    I love the passages you quoted, but one caught my eye. I am sure I have read that psalm before, but the verse is really new to me:

    Psalm 138:7 – Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me.

    I also loved what you shared on the previous post about Sloan... that there is a God fearing remnant among the teenagers today is true. Even here in my own country, there is a young generation that is on fire for the Lord.

    I am praying for you dear Debbie... God brought you to my mind, and that is why I am here visiting your blog, to find out how you are.

    Much love
    Lidj

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  18. I love your ideas. The pics took me on vacation. What am I saying, I am on vacation in San Diego...wish you were here.

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  19. What a blessing this post is to me, Debbie. Lately, I haven't been discouraged, exactly, more just sad to soon be saying good-bye to our home of 28 years. I have been reading God's word more, and it is true; believing His word and His promises encourages me. It may seem silly to be sad, because we are downsizing by building a new although smaller home, but this place holds such memories. Yet, I am confident that God will help us make new memories in our new home.

    Debbie, God has given you the gift of encouragement, and what is so special is that you share your difficult times and how He blesses you in them, to encourage us all.
    Thank you, dear friend!
    Laurie

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  20. Hi Debbie~I'm new to your blog and I will be back. This post on discouragement is great. I too would love to go to that spa! But...as you say the fix wouldn't last. I guess we just better stick with God and His Word~Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

    Blessings in Him...Chelle

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