Feeling Discouraged

Recently, I’ve been feeling tired and discouraged. It snuck up on me. First, a volunteer project required more time and energy than I anticipated. As it consumed more time, I worried about the other tasks I needed to complete each day.

The project had just slowed down, and I was hoping to get some rest, when my dog unexpectedly passed away. She was 16, and I knew the end was near, but it was still hard when it happened. Then a family member got ill, and I helped them for a few days.

Next, my cat got sick, and $400 later, her tests were normal, but the vet added some meds to help her – only she got worse. The next day, I took a shower, and a few minutes later, my downstairs neighbor called to tell me her ceiling was leaking. It had to be coming from my shower.  The plumber was able to come out quickly and found that the drain pan was leaking, which meant more work and more expenses.

All of this occurred within a month, but from my dog passing away to the shower leaking occurred over 10 days. I was overwhelmed and not sleeping well.

But God is so good.

First, as I was grieving the loss of my dog, I searched for a podcast about losing a pet. A few came up in my search, and the one I selected turned out to be a Christian podcast, God Hears Her. It was not only comforting, but I really appreciated the podcast hosts. I’d been looking for a Christian podcast to add to my favorites and was glad to find this one.

A few days later, I was searching through the Chip Ingram podcast and picked one titled Be Strong and Courageous because those words are some of my favorite verses from the book of Joshua. The podcast ended up being about overcoming the valleys of discouragement.

Chip shared a story about a time when he felt stretched thin and doubted God’s call on his life. One of his professors told Chip to get a few nights sleep and eat a few good meals. Chip followed the advice and felt better. For me, the message didn’t sink in until I accidentally played the episode again the following week. (Tonight I’m eating a good meal and plan to go to bed early.)

When I get discouraged or tired, I often wonder what is wrong with me or why I can’t snap out of it. In the episode, Chip pointed out that David wrote half the book of Psalms. Chip mentioned that in many of the Psalms, David talks about how good life is and praises God. But in many chapters, he’s discouraged and crying out to God. David. King David, from whom Jesus is a descendant. David, who is known for having a heart like God’s. David, who cheated on his wife and made BIG mistakes. David, whom God forgave and still loved.

As Chip mentioned all this, he referred to Psalm 103, remembering God’s goodness. When I went to bed that night, I read Psalm 103 and saw the verses God placed on my heart years ago when I was struggling to let go of shame and guilt for giving in to premarital sex when I was dating Brock. (As far as the the east is from the west. so far has He removed our transgressions from us). Once again, I felt God’s loving kindness (I encourage you to read the full book of Psalms 103).

Through all this, the book of Job came to mind. Job lost everything and still declared his devotion to God, proclaiming how good God is. Then on Easter Sunday, the minister talked about just that. And then he pointed out that despite Jesus telling the disciples what was coming, when he died, they were at a loss. He imagined what the disciples felt the day after Jesus died and forgot that Sunday was coming. Sunday, the third day after Jesus’s crucifixion. Sunday, the day Jesus rose from the dead. Sunday – the day that gives all of us Hope.

How often do I get caught up in a moment of time. Sure 10 days with four challenging situations feels like a lot – but Sunday is coming. Jesus will return. Someday, we will be in Heaven with God and Jesus. How often do I let temporary circumstances overcast my perspective?

I’m not trying to minimize difficult times. Challenge and difficulties are real. It’s been hard to take my mind off the circumstances weighing me down. I worked to refocus on the things that can help me feel better and make the time to do them:

• Going on a walk outside

• Eating healthy

• Getting rest

• Limiting TV and alcohol (which don’t help me sleep well)

• Working through the problem. There are many options with the shower, and I need to gather information before I can make a decision.

• Recognizing I’m lower on energy and avoiding a hard workout

• Acknowledging these things have been challenging.

I thought back to other challenging times in my life and remembered Isaiah 41:10 (ESV):

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

I’m tempted to rely on my own strength, but I know from previous situations that it is never enough; God calls us to depend on Him.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

These verses have also been helpful:

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

And a friend reminded me of:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

Jesus doesn’t promise this life will be easy, but He does promise to help us.

I found comfort in drawing close to Jesus and asking for His help.

I hope these scriptures help remind you that you are never alone. Trust God’s plan. Lean into His strength, and you will feel His comfort and see His grace unfold.