Psalm 62:8 Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.

As I reflect on times of discouragement in my own life, I noticed that during my deepest moments of discouragement, I was not seeking God – therefore, I was not trusting Him – nor was I pouring my heart out to Him. In fact, this was the furthest thing from my mind! How sad is that? The solution to all our problems lies within this one verse. IF we do our job in the first two parts, God has a promise awaiting. This verse is so poignant that David tells the reader to pause and think about it when he inserted “Selah.”

What’s our part? Firstly, we must trust in God at all times. It’s amazing how that little three-letter word was inserted there, isn’t it? David didn’t say just “some” of the time but at all times. Secondly, David says to pour out our hearts to God! He doesn’t say to pour out our hearts to our spouse or best friend, but to God. Many times we are quick to tell others of our problems and fail to tell the Lord. I know what you’re thinking, “Kate, God already knows what my problems are so I don’t need to tell Him!” Yes, this is true. However, I don’t believe that pouring our hearts out to God is for His benefit, but for our benefit. God knows that we are emotional beings because He created us. He knows that man has a need to cry out in time of need and desperation. In fact, Christ experienced this in the Garden when He asked the Father to remove the cup that was before Him (Luke 22:42). However, notice that Christ quickly inserted “not my will, but thine, be done.” He trusted His Father. Christ fulfilled Psalm 62:8, my friend. He trusted, He poured His heart out AND He received the promise.

What promise? The promise is the refuge which God provides when we trust Him and pour our hearts out to Him. Noah Webster defines refuge as:

Shelter or protection from danger or distress.

Christ went to His death so that was not protection from danger. However, His protection was from distress, which was evident in His immediate submission to the Father’s will after He cried out. Christ knew where His help came from. His discouragement was replaced with submission. Jesus knows what we are going through because He went through the same thing! For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. (Heb 4:15)

Looking Up to the Hills

My eyes look up as they search for help
Toward the hills where the promise lies
The Creator’s not far, He works His way
Toward me from the other side

He guides my walk and protects my feet
From stumbling on the rocky steep
Great comfort lies within my heart
Knowing that He shall never sleep

Christ is my shelter, He provides me shade
During the fiery trials of life
Under the shadow of His wings
Peace and comfort throughout the night

This Keeper of my soul so vigilant
Protecting me through life’s storms
And watches over me with such care
Not just today but forever more!

Kate Plourde
August 11, 2006

Thank you, Brother Jerry, for planting this idea in my brain as I was reading your comments to yesterday’s blog!

Psalm 61:2 From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

Discouragement has a way of overwhelming the mind and heart, doesn’t it? If one more trial or mishap comes into my life today, I just don’t think I could bear it! My shoulders begin to droop from the weight of it all. My heart is so heavy and tears are just waiting to spill over my lower eyelids at the next cross word that comes my way. Who in their right mind can enjoy living in this state? Surely when we step back and look at it in this light, we would conclude that no one would. So then why do we insist on remaining in this state of discouragement?

Oh how wonderful to be able to leave our trials behind and hit the road in search of a babbling brook nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains! Oh the peace that can be found as we sit on a rock by the brook and listen to the cardinals singing, the rustling of the leaves as the gentle breeze blows, and feeling the sunshine on our faces! What a sanctuary the Lord has given us in His beautiful creation. OK, so we can’t just up and leave and travel to our sanctuary. But the Word says that we can visit that Rock whenever we want – and at that Rock, we will find the sanctuary which will provide us with an even better benefit as that getaway in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

David pleads to God to lead him to the rock that is higher than he is in Psalm 61:2. What rock? And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. (1Co 10:4) Thank You, Lord, for this verse in Your Holy Word! Jesus promises to refresh us with living water! He is our Source for refreshing our discouraged heart! We can run to that mountain stream and sit on that rock any time we want by turning to His Word and talking to Him! His promises are ever before us in His Word, but we must do the seeking, my friend. You cannot be force fed. Psalm 147:3 He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.

My heart is discouraged, my eyes dim.
It is exhausting to seek the cure.
But I know that His Word is my salve.
It is healing and peace, He assures.

Excerpt from Perfect Love

Psalm 57:1-2, [To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave.] Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast. (1) I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth all things for me. (2)

Does this sound like one of your prayers, dear Christian? David had a way with words, didn’t he? I’ve always felt that God placed specific accounts in His Word for us to walk away with a golden nugget to enrich our spiritual walk.

David not only had a way with words, but he had a way of letting his Heavenly Father know exactly how discouraged he was. David was aware that God already knew what was in his heart. Yet, David took the time to specifically spell out every detail of his trial and the way he was feeling. David leaves no doubt to the reader, and to God, of what is on his mind.

As you deal with your discouragement, stop and look at the way David’s petitions to God are laid out:

o David cries out and pleads to God
o David acknowledges that he trusts God
o David recognizes God’s provision during his trial
o David knows that God will take care of everything

What a pattern to follow! God already knows what you are feeling, dear Christian. But putting our thoughts into words bring closure somehow. That is why I love writing so much.

In closing, don’t you just love the analogy David uses about being in the shadow of God’s wings for shelter? One can only experience the shade of a tree or its protection from a passing rain if one stands under that tree. You cannot enjoy the shade and protection by watching it from afar, can you?

It is said that the Canadian goose allows the young to huddle under her wings next to her body for shelter and warmth. What a lovely picture! When we run to the Lord, as David did, we are not only sheltered from the storms of discouragement, but we are kept “warm.” You cannot be kept warm at a distance, my friend. You must first draw close to God to receive His warmth. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. (Jam 4:8a)

How I thank Thee, oh Shepherd of my soul
For protecting me from the enemy’s snares
Under Thy wings I do safely abide
As I find peaceful rest in Thy care

Kate Plourde
July 20, 2006

(Psa 19:8 ) The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.

What are cataracts? According to Webster, cataracts are:

A clouding of the lens of the eye or of its surrounding transparent membrane that obstructs the passage of light.

Do you have spiritual cataracts? When one is discouraged, his spiritual eyes have become clouded. Why do I say that? If you suffer from discouragement, look at your Bible reading life. ARE you reading? Chances are you are not because you do not feel motivated to read. Cataracts are progressive. One does not develop them overnight. In fact, many times one does not know that they even have them until their vision has been obstructed quite a bit. It’s the same with our spiritual eyes, dear friend. You allow discouragement to come in bit by bit and then deep discouragement has arrived! What’s the remedy?

(Psa 51:10) Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.

Confess your sin before God – tell Him you’ve failed and have allowed your spiritual eyes to become clouded. Ask Him to create in you a clean heart and to renew your spirit! What is the result of such a prayer?

(Psa 51:12) Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.

God will restore your sight and your joy. Noah Webster defines uphold as “To support; to sustain; to keep from falling or slipping.” The Lord will keep you from falling and slipping with His free spirit! How? If you stay in the Word and allow the Word to cleanse you, the Lord will clean your heart, renew your spirit and restore your joy, and will keep you from falling!

Oh Christian, isn’t that a beautiful picture of the love of our Heavenly Father? Won’t you overcome your discouragement today? You can – with the Lord’s help.

Psalm 121:1-5: [A Song of degrees.] I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. (1) My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. (2) He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. (3) Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. (4) The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. (5)

Discouragement surely brings heavy and weighty burdens upon our shoulders. It is the devil’s tool, not God’s. Christ promised us that His burden was light in Matthew 11:30. The Psalmist must have been experiencing such burdens of weight. So much so, he lifted his eyes toward the hills because he knew that his help was coming from there. The help was not in the form of soldiers or friends and family. Verse 2 clearly says that his help was coming from the Lord! God knows of the burdens and comes to the rescue.

Take comfort, oh Christian! This same God who will give you the help you need, created heaven and earth! If you have cancer, you would go to a specialist, an oncologist – you would not go to a heart specialist, would you? When your burdens overwhelm you, go to the One who is able to alleviate those burdens. Our God is our keeper, the Psalmist says. He is our Watch Tower! Be encouraged!

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Discouragement – A Tool of the Devil
By: Author Unknown

Once upon a time it was announced that the devil was going out of business and would sell all his equipment to those who were willing to pay the price.

On the big day of the sale, all his tools were attractively displayed. There were Envy, Jealousy, Hatred, Malice, Deceit, Sensuality, Pride, Idolatry, and other implements of evil display. Each of the tools was marked with its own price tag.

Over in the corner by itself was a harmless looking, wedge-shaped tool very much worn, but still it bore a higher price than any of the others. Someone asked the devil what it was, and he answered,

“That is Discouragement.”

The next question came quickly.

“And why is it priced so high even though it is plain to see that it is worn more than these others?”

“Because, replied the devil, It is more useful to me than all these others. I can pry open and get into a man’s heart with that when I cannot get near him with any other tool. Once I get inside, I can use him in whatever way suits me best. It is worn well because I use it on everybody I can, and few people even know it belongs to me.”

This tool was priced so high that no one could buy it, and to this day it has never been sold. It still belongs to the devil, and he still uses it on mankind.

Psalm 13:1-6, How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me? (1) How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? how long shall mine enemy be exalted over me? (2) Consider and hear me, O LORD my God: lighten mine eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; (3) Lest mine enemy say, I have prevailed against him; and those that trouble me rejoice when I am moved. (4) But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. (5) I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me. (6)

I do believe the Book of Psalms records the most accounts/verses about discouragement. David went through difficult times. As a Psalmist (or writer), he was able to put his feelings in writing. I must admit, there is something “therapeutic” about writing about my difficulties. As a result, I always manage to encourage myself! Let’s review what David did to encourage himself and how it affected his discouragement.

We see from verses one through three how David is petitioning the Lord. I love how David isn’t afraid to explain to God just how he feels. Do you struggle putting your thoughts into words in prayer? Why not write them as David did? Verse one clearly shows that David felt as though the Lord had forgotten him and that He had hid His face from David.

We see in verse two that David wasn’t seeking counsel with God but within himself! His heart was full of sorrow. I’ve been there, haven’t you? Discouragement brings such sorrow! It seems as though there is just no light at the end of the tunnel. How can a discouraged and sorrowful heart then give wise counsel? That’s what David was telling God he was doing. No wonder his discouragement and sorrow went on for days. At that point in time, David wasn’t seeking to encourage himself. But David had a wonderful way of turning his sorrowful times around. This is the key. He did not have the Word of God right at his fingertips as we do today. He poured his heart out in writing to God. I’m thankful he did, aren’t you? Today we all glean from David’s experiences.

David did not wallow in self-pity or mope around the house for very long. When I read this Psalm, I see a progression. I see David questioning God as to why He is so distant from him. I see David petitioning God to put the spark back in him. Lastly, I see David’s efforts in encouraging his own heart in verses five and six. But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. (5) I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me. (6) I also noted the progression of David’s encouragement in these verses. Firstly, despite everything going wrong around him, David remembered God’s mercy and His salvation. What a great gift we’ve been given! We’ve been given eternal life – never more to worry about hell – only wonderful thoughts of Heaven! Rejoice! David was remembering and counting his blessings! This action brought singing and recognition of the blessings God had given him. These are no longer the words of a discouraged man!

Christian, you are not alone in your trials. God has left us many examples in His Word of those who have experienced what you are experiencing. Take action and glean from what He has left you because the cure is there. Follow David’s pattern to encouragement:

(1) Tell God what you’re feeling
(2) Ask Him for help
(3) Rejoice in your salvation
(4) Count your blessings!

Joseph Oatman wrote over 5,000 gospel songs. A couple that he is best known for are: “Higher Ground” and “No Not One.” But one of my favorites to sing when I am discouraged is:

Count Your Blessings

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Refrain
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

Refrain

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

Refrain

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be disheartened, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Refrain

Job 1:21-22, “And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD. (21) In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly. (22)

The Book of Job, in my opinion, is one of the best books (along with the Book of Psalms) to read when you are discouraged. It is common knowledge to the believer that Job had patience (hence the quote “He has the patience of Job!”) and Job was given many trials. Job’s account was placed in the Scriptures for a reason. I often go into my reading of the Word of God wondering why God wanted this particular reading in His Word. This method helps me to glean from the passages I am reading. I ask questions like: When did this account take place? What is this account all about? Why did God allow this account to happen? What have I learned from this account?

Despite all of the trials that Job experienced, Job remembered His God. For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: (Job 19:25) Job’s friends were quick to judge his trials accusing that they were a result of sin in Job’s life. Great friends, huh? The Word says that Jesus is the friend who will be closer than a brother to us. “…and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. (Pro 18:24)” Job knew where his strength came from. Job turned to the Source in spite of his friends. Where and who do you turn to in your discouargement? Is it your spouse? Is it a close friend? Is it your Pastor?

Your Saviour and Brother is there to give you sweet rest from your state of discouragement. Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Mat 11:28 ) How can you get that rest? Spend more time in the Word. And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. (Luk 4:4) Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (1Pe 5:7)

I believe that we get discouraged because we feel that we cannot handle the trial that has been allowed in our lives. My friend, God would be a cruel and heartless God if He were to give you more than you can handle! There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (1Co 10:13) The temptation to be discouraged can be overcome – God promises to provide a way for you to escape this temptation of discouragement. God is not a liar. His Word is clear as to what you must do. Get in the Word, my friend! That is the source of your encouragement.

A search for the words “lift up my” in my Bible software came up with some excellent verses to encourage the heart!

[A Psalm of David.] Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul. (Psa 25:1) Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. (Psa 86:4)

My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes. (Psa 119:48 )

[A Song of degrees.] I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. (Psa 121:1)

Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee. (Psa 143:8 )