Devices of the Devil - Discouragement

Another device that the enemy uses is discouragement.

We can see a perfect example of this device being used when the Israelites were rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and one of their enemies, Tobiah the Ammonite, said, “Whatever they build, if even a fox climbs up on it, he will break down their stone wall.” (Nehemiah 4:3)

Therefore if all the feedback that you get is destructive criticism, do not let it discourage you, destroy your morale and stop you from doing what God has called you to do because the Israelites continued rebuilding the wall until they finished building it.

Understand also that this is a device that the enemy likes using because time after time we see God telling His people when they were facing different challenges:

“Do not be discouraged” (Joshua 1:9)

“Do not be discouraged” (Joshua 10:25)

“Do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8)

“Do not be discouraged” (1 Chronicles 22:13)

“Do not be discouraged” (1 Chronicles 28:20)

Therefore, learn to deal with discouragement by encouraging yourself in the Lord like David did when his wives were kidnapped and his men spoke of stoning him. (1 Samuel 30:6)

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To encourage yourself in the Lord during difficult times, remind yourself of God’s past faithfulness or all the good things that He has already done for you and tell yourself that He is still able to do other great things for you in your present and future.

Emulate David who reminded himself of God’s faithfulness in his life and encouraged himself to fight Goliath by declaring The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine. (1 Samuel 17:37)

In addition, understand that to fight discouragement effectively you have to fight fear because we can see in the above situations where God told his people Do not be discouraged, He always preceded by telling them Do not fear.

Therefore eradicate your fear of the enemy by having faith that God will help you because faith is the antidote for fear.

Finally, fight discouragement by meditating on hope-inspiring Scriptures like I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. (Psalm 27:13)