Above the Discouragement

Martin Luther, that great reformer whom God used to bring light to His people and understand the Bible more clearly, was severely oppressed by Satan with discouragement. Many times he felt persecuted by everyone and abandoned. During one of those rather bleak periods, his wife Kate tried in vain to cheer him. For days he had been in a slump, and nothing she said or did could rouse his spirits. Finally, she put on a widow’s garment and went around the house in deepest mourning. When Luther observed this mourning, he asked, “Who is dead?”

“God,” replied Kate.

“Don’t talk so foolish!” retorted the great Reformer.

“Well, my dear Doctor,” answered Kate, “you are so downhearted that I concluded God must be dead, and so I put on my mourning apparel.” Luther understood the lesson his good wife wanted to teach him, embraced her, and purposed to live, act, talk, and believe that God is still alive.

How is it with you? Do you talk discouragement? Do the obstacles seem to overwhelm you at times? Or do you feel panicky about health issues, or your job, or schooling? How about your retirement funds right about now?  Or the mortgage? Or the . . . . Go ahead, fill in the blank!

Friend, we have to look above the discouragement, even though the problem might seem like a giant mountain, and put our eyes on Jesus. He is the One who never slumbers or sleeps and is the one who works everything out for your good. Remember, God is not on vacation. God is not tied up with someone else. And God is not tired.

Encouraging Scripture

“If you have given yourself to Christ, you are a member of the family of God, and everything in the Father’s house is for you. All the treasures of God are open to you, both the world that now is and that which is to come. The ministry of angels, the gift of His Spirit, the labors of His servants—all are for you. The world, with everything in it, is yours so far as it can do you good. Even the enmity of the wicked will prove a blessing, by disciplining you for heaven. If “ye are Christ’s” “all things are yours.” (My Life Today, page 5)

I lift up my eyes to the hills–where does my help come from?

My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip–he who watches over you will not slumber;

indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD watches over you–the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

The LORD will keep you from all harm–he will watch over your life;

the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

Psalm 121

If you liked this, you might also like Climbing Toward God’s Blessings | What Does the Bible Say About Discouragement? 

Written by Mark Ferrell.

© 2002 - 2024, AnswersForMe.org. All rights reserved. Click here for content usage information.