Discouragement @ Work

Devotions/Partners

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Philippians 4: 6-8 (KJV): “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

COMMENTARY: Today, are you struggling with discouragement? Discouragement means loss of confidence or enthusiasm. The reality is that in this fallen, broken world, life is difficult, painful and vexing. There are plenty of legitimate reasons for you and me to get discouraged. We all feel discouraged at one time or another, myself included. 

APPLICATION: The core issue is what we do about it. If we allow discouragement to take hold and pollute our emotions, infect our thinking, diminish our motivation and take us down into the pit of despair, depression and hopelessness, then we’re allowing discouragement to erode our lives and the lives of those around us.

When I begin to get discouraged, I turn to this passage. We cannot ignore or deny the bad, the ugly or the evil. They’re real and dangerous. We must deal with them and do our part to address and overcome them with good. Remember, there’s also a great deal of beauty and goodness around us, and that God loves us. Count your blessings each day and be encouraged!

Joyfully yours,

Drew

For Further Exploration

For further exploration about Ephesians 6:18 (KJV), read The Center of the Gospel (Galatians 6:11–18) from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.