Defeating Discouragement

Sorry I am a little late posting today! I wanted to post the second half of my discouragement devotion. Once again, this is coming from an InTouch devotion book from InTouch Ministries.

Defeating Discouragement
Nehemiah 2:1-8

Discouragement can rob peace, joy and contentment, but the good news is.. you are not stuck! I've known people who appeared to be in an impossible situation. A few years later, however, they were in a terrific place, either in terms of their circumstances or their emotions. The reason? They never gave up, instead of sulking in self-pity, they chose to believe in God, step out in faith and climb out of the emotional pit.

Nehemiah is a good example. He had every reason to feel defeated, because his people were in trouble. After receiving news that the city wall had been destroyed, this man of God acknowledged profound disappointment and grieved. Though pain flooded his soul, he didn't allow himself to stay in that low place. Instead, Nehemiah cried out to God, seeking direction.

Sadness in the presence of royalty was punishable by death, but the lord answered Nehemiah's prayer with amazing power, prompting the king to notice his servant's sad countenance and then to ask what he could do to help. This miracle led to the rebuilding of the wall and the redemption of God's people.

The lord can take an impossible situation-no matter what it is-and move in ways mightier than you can imagine. Do you live in eager expectation of what the lord will do? Or have you chosen to linger in the depths of despair? Like Nehemiah, turn your disappointment into a petition for God's help. He can restore your hope and prevent negative emotions from gaining a stranglehold on your life.

I hope you found these words to be as much of an encouragement to you as it was for me! 

I hope you all have a great afternoon! :)