When discouragement strikes, we desperately need God’s touch in our life.

It was a fun chorus for us to sing, but the truth is that many of us are downhearted these days. And there are a lot of discouraged families, too.

The dictionary defines discouragement as “losing courage or confidence, being disheartened.” Another associated word in Scripture is “dismayed,” which means “to be discouraged at the prospect of trouble” (Isa. 41:10, Jer. 1:17, Josh. 1:9). It’s not just the things that happen that discourage us. Sometimes it’s the things that haven’t yet happened, but might.

Consider these things about discouragement: it will come; it always comes at the worst time (Is there ever a good time?); it always comes from the most unsuspecting sources; it causes people to do the most unpredictable things; it can teach us valuable lessons about ourselves, others, and God; it can be overcome with God’s help.

An excellent example of discouragement is God’s servant, Elijah. God had gloriously defeated the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel (1 Ki. 18). When Queen Jezebel heard that 450 of her prophets had been slain by Elijah, she threatened to kill him in 24 hours. In utter despair he fled to the wilderness, sat down under a tree, and asked God to take his life (19:4). Thankfully, that was one of Elijah’s prayers that God did not answer!

What was Elijah’s problem? Following a resounding victory, how could he so soon become discouraged to the point of wanting to die? First, he took his eyes off God – the first step to discouragement. Second, he focused his attention on people and circumstances (Jezebel and her threat to kill him). Third, he saw his problem instead of God’s purpose. Fourth, he resorted to self-pity. Fifth, he sank into despair. Don’t we do the same.

But notice what God did. Instead of being upset with Elijah for getting discouraged, God did five things. First He allowed him to rest (19:5). Weariness is one of the most common causes of discouragement. God is so practical. Second, He touched him through an angel (19:3). When discouragement strikes we desperately need God’s touch in our life. Third, He spoke to Elijah. If we ever need to hear God’s voice, it’s when we’re discouraged. Fourth, He provided for Elijah’s needs (19:6). Elijah was tired and hungry. He needed to be refreshed. God gave him what he needed, not what he wanted. How encouraging to know that God understands our needs better than we do, and is committed to meeting them. Fifth, He gave him direction (19:9-18). Some of our greatest discouragements are simply the result of not knowing what to do.

God uses various means to minister to us when we get discouraged. But, interestingly, these are often the very things we avoid when we’re down. His Word is our greatest source of encouragement. But have you noticed how hard it is to read the Bible when you’re discouraged? Other people can help, but in times of discouragement, like Elijah, we just want to be left alone. God can speak to us through preaching, but we don’t feel like going to church. God often chooses to minister to us through a song or hymn, but even uplifting music is avoided. A special blessing can bring encouragement, but when we’re discouraged it’s hard to distinguish between a blessing and a burden.

How about your family? Have you been dealing with discouragement over some things that haven’t gone the way you hoped? If so, you’re not alone. Many families are struggling with the same things. What’s the answer? Consider the story of King David’s distress after the destruction of Ziklag (1 Sam. 30). The Amalekites burned the city, the families of the soldiers were taken captive, and they wept till they had no more tears. But it says that even though the men threatened to stone him, “David encouraged himself in the Lord” (1 Sam. 30:6). We, too, must remember where to find encouragement when our world caves in. May your family be encouraged in the Lord.

By Jack Palmer