Finding Strength and Hope in Discouragement

Devotional

Day 1: God Never Leaves Us

In moments of deep discouragement, it is natural to feel forsaken. However, the truth is that God never leaves us. Jesus promised to be with us until the end of the age, and this assurance should anchor our faith even when our emotions suggest otherwise. When we face trials and tribulations, it is easy to let our feelings dictate our perception of God's presence. Yet, the reality is that God is always with us, even when we cannot feel Him. This understanding can transform our approach to suffering, allowing us to find solace in His unwavering presence.

David's life is a testament to this truth. Despite being anointed as king, he faced immense trials and discouragement. His journey teaches us that even in our darkest moments, we are not forsaken. David's story of fleeing from King Saul, seeking refuge, and ultimately finding strength in God, illustrates the duality of our spiritual walk—experiencing both suffering and hope simultaneously. We must hold on to the promise that God is with us, no matter how dire our circumstances may seem. [46:20]

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."

Reflection: Think of a recent time when you felt forsaken. How can you remind yourself of God's presence and promises during such moments?

Day 2: Maintaining Good Judgment

Discouragement can cloud our judgment, leading us to make poor decisions. David's choice to feign madness to escape King Achish demonstrates the importance of maintaining good judgment even in dire situations. When we are overwhelmed by despair, it is easy to act impulsively or irrationally. However, we must strive to keep our responsibilities and not let despair dictate our actions. By maintaining good judgment, we can navigate through our trials with wisdom and integrity.

David's experience teaches us that even in the face of life-threatening danger, it is crucial to think clearly and act wisely. His decision to feign madness was a strategic move that allowed him to escape a perilous situation. Similarly, we must seek God's guidance and wisdom when we are faced with difficult decisions. By doing so, we can ensure that our actions align with His will and lead us towards His intended path for our lives. [01:10:46]

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent decision you made under stress. How can you seek God's wisdom and maintain good judgment in future challenging situations?

Day 3: Using Familiar Spiritual Weapons

When facing spiritual battles, it is crucial to use the weapons we are familiar with. David's reliance on Goliath's sword, a symbol of past victories, reminds us to draw strength from our previous experiences with God. Worship, prayer, and scripture are powerful tools in our spiritual arsenal. These familiar spiritual weapons can help us combat discouragement and find strength in God's presence.

David's psalms, written during his times of distress, reveal the importance of expressing our struggles to God and relying on His strength. By turning to prayer, worship, and scripture, we can find solace and encouragement in God's promises. These spiritual practices are not just rituals; they are powerful means of connecting with God and drawing on His strength. In times of trouble, let us remember to use these familiar spiritual weapons to navigate through our challenges. [01:16:38]

Ephesians 6:17-18 (ESV): "And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints."

Reflection: What spiritual practices have helped you in the past? How can you incorporate them into your daily routine to strengthen your faith?

Day 4: Holding On to Our Divine Coverings

Discouragement seeks to strip us of our spiritual garments, replacing them with doubt and unbelief. However, God has clothed us with garments of salvation and righteousness. We must hold on to these divine coverings and resist the enemy's attempts to disrobe us. Our identity in Christ is secure, and we must remind ourselves of this truth, especially during times of discouragement.

David's story illustrates the importance of holding on to our divine coverings. Despite facing immense trials, he never lost sight of his identity in God. He relied on God's strength and promises to navigate through his challenges. Similarly, we must hold on to the garments of salvation and righteousness that God has given us. By doing so, we can resist the enemy's attempts to sow doubt and unbelief in our hearts. [01:28:04]

Isaiah 61:10 (ESV): "I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels."

Reflection: What doubts or unbeliefs are you currently struggling with? How can you remind yourself of your identity in Christ and hold on to your divine coverings?

Day 5: Evaluating Our Support System

During times of discouragement, it is essential to assess who is around us. David's companions in the cave of Adullam were also in distress, yet they became his loyal followers. Surrounding ourselves with people who speak faith and encouragement can significantly impact our journey through difficult times. Our support system plays a crucial role in our spiritual and emotional well-being.

David's experience in the cave of Adullam highlights the importance of having a supportive community. Despite their own struggles, David's companions became a source of strength and encouragement for him. Similarly, we must evaluate our support system and surround ourselves with individuals who uplift and encourage us in our faith. By doing so, we can navigate through our challenges with the support and encouragement of a faith-filled community. [01:32:14]

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"

Reflection: Who are the people in your life that speak faith and encouragement to you? How can you strengthen your support system to better navigate through challenging times?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we gathered to reflect on the beauty and diversity of God's kingdom and the creative power of our mighty God. We shared a heartfelt moment of connection, acknowledging the challenges and losses we face, particularly the passing of our dear friend, Coach Rock. Her unwavering faith and positive spirit, even in the face of severe illness, serve as a powerful testament to the strength that comes from a deep relationship with God.

We delved into the story of David, who, despite being anointed as king, faced immense trials and discouragement. David's journey teaches us that even in our darkest moments, we are not forsaken. His story of fleeing from King Saul, seeking refuge, and ultimately finding strength in God, illustrates the duality of our spiritual walk—experiencing both suffering and hope simultaneously.

We also explored the inspiring story of Angela Logan, who turned her dire financial situation into a testimony of God's provision by selling cakes to save her home. This narrative reminds us that God can bring forth incredible outcomes from our moments of despair.

David's psalms, written during his times of distress, reveal the importance of expressing our struggles to God and relying on His strength. We are encouraged to use familiar spiritual weapons, such as prayer and worship, to combat discouragement. The message emphasized that while we may feel forsaken, we are never truly abandoned by God. We must maintain good judgment, hold on to our faith, and surround ourselves with supportive individuals during challenging times.

###

Key Takeaways

1. **Feeling Forsaken vs. Being Forsaken**: In moments of deep discouragement, it is natural to feel forsaken. However, the truth is that God never leaves us. Jesus promised to be with us until the end of the age, and this assurance should anchor our faith even when our emotions suggest otherwise. [46:20]
2. Maintaining Good Judgment: Discouragement can cloud our judgment, leading us to make poor decisions. David's choice to feign madness to escape King Achish demonstrates the importance of maintaining good judgment even in dire situations. We must strive to keep our responsibilities and not let despair dictate our actions. [70:46]
3. Using Familiar Spiritual Weapons: When facing spiritual battles, it is crucial to use the weapons we are familiar with. David's reliance on Goliath's sword, a symbol of past victories, reminds us to draw strength from our previous experiences with God. Worship, prayer, and scripture are powerful tools in our spiritual arsenal. [76:38]
4. Discouragement's Attempt to Disrobe Us: Discouragement seeks to strip us of our spiritual garments, replacing them with doubt and unbelief. However, God has clothed us with garments of salvation and righteousness. We must hold on to these divine coverings and resist the enemy's attempts to disrobe us. [88:04]
5. Evaluating Our Support System: During times of discouragement, it is essential to assess who is around us. David's companions in the cave of Adullam were also in distress, yet they became his loyal followers. Surrounding ourselves with people who speak faith and encouragement can significantly impact our journey through difficult times. [01:32:14]
### [92:14]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[39:42] - Introduction and Personal Reflections
[41:48] - Remembering Coach Rock
[42:30] - Coach Rock's Battle and Faith
[44:39] - Strength in Worship Amidst Trials
[45:07] - The Two-Sided Nature of Faith
[46:20] - Paul's Teachings on Suffering
[48:09] - Endurance and Faith
[48:40] - What Can Come From This?
[49:41] - Praising God in Discouragement
[50:11] - Angela Logan's Story
[52:36] - From Foreclosure to Fortune
[53:11] - Finding Hope in Dark Places
[54:33] - David's Story of Discouragement
[56:21] - David's Anointing and Trials
[58:22] - David's Encounter with Elimelech
[60:02] - The Bread of Presence
[61:54] - Abstaining for Holiness
[63:33] - David's Escape and Feigned Madness
[65:06] - David's Refuge in the Cave
[66:57] - David's Companions in Distress
[68:54] - Lessons from David's Discouragement
[70:46] - Maintaining Good Judgment
[72:04] - Using Spiritual Weapons
[74:16] - David's Psalms of Lament
[76:38] - Drawing Strength from Past Victories
[78:48] - The Armor of God
[80:48] - Spiritual Inheritance
[82:58] - Standing Firm in Faith
[84:10] - Personal Testimony of Worship
[85:07] - Garment of Praise
[86:33] - Contending with Evil Days
[87:16] - Fighting for Destiny
[88:04] - Discouragement's Attempt to Disrobe Us
[90:32] - Clothed in Righteousness
[91:10] - Recap of Key Points
[92:14] - Evaluating Our Support System
[93:55] - David's Psalm of Praise
[94:24] - Habakkuk's Encouragement
[96:34] - Call to Worship and Prayer
[97:42] - Final Encouragement and Dismissal

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1 Samuel 21:1-15 (ESV) — 2. Psalm 22:1-8 (ESV)
3. 2 Corinthians 4:8-10 (ESV)

Observation Questions

What was David's situation when he fled to Nob and met with Elimelech the priest? ([56:21])
How did David react when he realized he was recognized by Achish, king of Gath? ([01:05:06])
What did David write in Psalm 22 about his feelings of being forsaken? ([53:49])
How did Paul describe the duality of a believer's experience in 2 Corinthians 4:8-10? ([46:20])

Interpretation Questions

What does David's reliance on Goliath's sword symbolize about using familiar spiritual weapons in our battles? ([01:17:08])
How does the story of Angela Logan illustrate God's provision in times of despair? ([51:00])
In what ways does Paul’s description of being "perplexed but not in despair" resonate with the experiences shared in the sermon? ([46:20])
How can the duality of suffering and hope, as seen in David's and Paul's experiences, be understood in the context of a believer's life? ([47:01])

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt forsaken. How did you find reassurance in God's presence during that period? ([53:49])
When facing discouragement, what familiar spiritual weapons (e.g., prayer, worship, scripture) do you rely on, and how have they helped you? ([01:12:04])
How can you maintain good judgment during times of deep discouragement, similar to David's decision to feign madness? ([01:10:46])
Evaluate your current support system. Are there people who speak faith and encouragement into your life? How can you strengthen these relationships? ([01:32:14])
Discouragement attempts to strip us of our spiritual garments. What steps can you take to hold on to your "garments of salvation and righteousness" during challenging times? ([01:28:04])
Think of a past victory in your spiritual journey. How can recalling this victory help you face a current challenge? ([01:17:08])
Identify one specific way you can support someone in your community who is currently facing discouragement. How can you be a source of encouragement and faith for them? ([01:32:14])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "It's amazing what God can do when we are up against the wall. When there's nothing else to hope for and nothing else to believe for and nothing else to look for. When everything look like is what can come from this? Well my dear friend Angela Logan of Teaneck, New Jersey made up in her mind to pay for her mortgage she had to sell 100 cakes in 10 days in order to sell her mortgage. She had to sell to save her house and she did it." [51:00] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "When you know you're going through a battle and yet you can herald the songs of praises over God's people. Come on, somebody. That tells me that there's strength that's beyond the strength that we carry from working out. There's another strength that takes over the believer when one is connected with God and is walking with God. It doesn't mean that we won't have some down days. But when we have those down days, there's somebody else on the inside of us that is living and moving and breathing." [45:07] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "You know, oftentimes, it is in the high times of life, what we call mountain moments, when we give God our praise. This is when prayers come through and when we ask God for something and he finds it in his favor to give it to us. He gives us the yes and he grants us the prayer request that we've been asking. And it is from those times that mostly we give God that exciting praise. You know that God is good. You know that two-step. You know that shout." [48:40] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "When I look at Psalms 22, verses one, the Psalmist David writes, My God, my God. Why have you forsaken me? Does anyone ever feel like that? When you are up against a hard place and you're discouraged and down about things that have occurred, God, why have you forsaken me? Why aren't you answering me? David writes, he says, why are you so far from saving me? From the words of my groaning? Oh my God, I cry by day but you do not answer. And by not praying, 허 but I find no rest have you ever been there before he says yet you are holy enthroned on the praises of Israel and in you our fathers trusted they trusted and you've delivered them to you they cry and were rescued in you they trusted and were not put to shame but I am a worm look at David David said but I'm a worm I'm lowly he says I but I am a worm and not a man." [54:33] (65 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines. The labor of the olive shall fail and the field shall not yield no meat. The flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no hearse in the stalls. Yet I will rejoice in the Lord. I will joy in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my said people. He will make my feet like Heinz feet. And he will make me to walk upon my high places. To the chief singer on the string instruments, play this song." [01:35:30] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "When you are feeling discouraged, you may feel like you are forsaken. I said, feel, feel, but guess what? You are not forsaken because the word tells us that Jesus said, I will never, leave you nor will I forsake you. He says, even until the ends of this world, even until everything wraps up, he said, I'm never going to leave you. You know what? That forsaken that you feel, it's only a feeling. You only feel forsaken, but you are not forsaken." [01:08:54] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Pick up what's familiar to you. And that's what you fight with. David went to the king, to the king, to the priest. And what happened? He said, I forgot my weapon. He was a fighter, a warrior. He said, I forgot my sword. Do you have anything? Do you have anything? Do you have anything in here that I could fight with? The priest said, I sure do. You remember that dude you slayed way back when you was young? He said, yeah. I got the sword. I got his sword. As a memorabella. You got to go down memory lane and begin to think back on things that God have done for you." [01:16:38] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Discouragement will try to disrobe you. It'll try to take off what God put on you as a believer. And put on you what it desires to put on you. Unbelief. Discontentment. The ability to walk away from God. This, this thing don't work. This, I tried that God thing. It don't work. Discouragement has the propensity to put that on you. But Ephesians said, You're going to war with the sword of the Spirit. And the sword of the Spirit is the word of God." [01:28:04] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Look around you during discouraging times and moments and see who is with you. When David was down in the cave of Adulla, who came to him? His family? Men who were in debt, distraught, and they were bitter in soul. It was about 400 men. They all had a situation. They all had discouragement on their backs. And when David looked around in that cave to see who was with him, he said, these are the men who will become part of the army that I'm a rock with. These are the men who are going to go up with me when I become king. These are the men who are going to go with me into promise." [01:32:14] (59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "You want to be steadfast? You want to be unmovable? Always abounding in the work of God? Put one foot in front of the other? And while you're doing that, learn the word of God. Point number one. You're not forsaken. You just feel forsaken. Point number two. Don't lose your sense of good judgment while you're in your discouraging moment. Point number three. Pick up what's familiar with and what? Fight. Number four. Discouragement will try to disrobe you." [01:27:16] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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