What Can Be Done About Discouragement?

Vanquishing Discouragement

Whatever its causes, discouragement is a scourge that must be fought. Remember, though, that we are not alone in this fight. If we are discouraged, let us accept the help of our Christian companions, especially the elders. By doing so, we may lessen feelings of discouragement.

Above all, we need to turn to God for help in overcoming discouragement. If we prayerfully rely on Jehovah, he may help us to vanquish discouragement entirely. (Psalm 55:22; Philippians 4:6, 7) In any case, as his people we can share the sentiments of the psalmist who sang: "Happy are the people knowing the joyful shouting. O Jehovah, in the light of your face they keep walking. In your name they are joyful all day long and in your righteousness they are exalted. For you are the beauty of their strength; and by your goodwill our horn is exalted." -Psalm 89:15-17.

Next time: 2000 A Marked Year?

Watchtower, 1999

What Can Be Done About Discouragement?

Two of the Best Remedies

Once a diagnosis has been made, how can an individual find a good remedy? Personal study is one of the best methods available. Why? "It reminds us why we have to do what we do," remarked a traveling overseer. still another explained: "Preaching merely out of obligation become burdensome in time." But good personal study helps us to regain a sharp view of our role as we get closer to the end. In the same line of thought, the Scriptures repeatedly remind us of the need to be well fed spiritually in order to have true happiness in doing God's will. -Psalm 1L:1-3; 19:7-10; 119:1, 2.

Elders can help others to overcome discouragement by making encouraging shepherding calls on them. During these private visits, elders can show that each of us is greatly appreciated and occupies an important place among Jehovah's people. (1 Corinthians 12:20-26) Referring to fellow Christians, one elder said: "To underscore their value, I remind them of what they have accomplished in the past. I point out that they are precious in Jehovah's eyes and that the blood of his Son has been given in their behalf. this reasoning is always well received. Once this has been backed up with solid Biblical references, those who are discouraged are in a position to set new goals, such as family prayer and study and Bible reading." -Hebrews 6:10.

During shepherding calls, elders need to be careful not to make it appear that God is impossible to please. Instead, the elders can help discourage fellow worshipers to see that the load on Jesus' followers is light. Consequently our Christian service is a source of joy. -Matthew 11:28-30.

Next time: Vanquishing Discouragement

Watchtower, 1999

What Can Be Done About Discouragement?

Discouragement and Relationships

Certain human relationships, either in the family or in the congregation can cause discouragement. For instance, there is the feeling of not being understood. The imperfections of fellow believers may also discourage us. Once again, the Scriptures can be of great help to us.

"The whole association of brothers" worldwide makes up a large spiritual family. (1 Peter 2:17) But the feeling of belonging to a united people can fade when difficulties arise because of personality conflicts. Evidently, first-century Christians were not immune to such problems, since the apostle Paul repeatedly had to remind them to live together in unity. For example, he exhorted two Christian women-Euodia and Syntyche-to resolve their differences. -1 Corinthians 1:10; Ephesians 4:1-3; Philippians 4:2, 3.

If this is the problem, how can we rekindle a sincere love for our brothers and sisters? By reminding ourselves that Christ died for them and that they, like us, have exercised faith in his ransom sacrifice. We can also bear in mind that many of our brothers are prepared to imitate Jesus Christ by risking their lives for us.

Some years ago, in Paris, France, a young Witness did not hesitate to grab hold of a suitcase containing a bomb that had been put outside the Kingdom Hall. He ran down several flights of stairs before throwing it into a fountain, where it exploded. Asked what motivated him to risk his life in this way, he answered: "I realized that our lives were in danger. So I thought it was better for me to die alone that for all of us to be killed." What a blessing it is to have such companions who are ready to follow Jesus' example so closely!

Additionally, we can meditate on the spirit of cooperation that existed among Jehovah's Witnesses who were in the concentration camps during World War II. More recently, our brothers and sisters in Malawi just as faithfully stood their ground as true Christians. Does not the thought that our brothers in the local congregation would act in the same way under adverse circumstances move us to overlook or at least minimize daily tensions and difficulties? If we cultivate the mind of Christ, our everyday relations with fellow worshipers will be a source of refreshment, not discouragement.

Next time: Discouraging Personal Feelings

Watchtower, 1999

What Can Be Done About Discouragement?

Discouragement in Our Evangelizing Work

Jesus Christ was aware of the difficulties associated with the commission to make disciples. (Matthew 28:19, 20) He sent his followers forth as "sheep amidst wolves," knowing that their preaching activity would being persecution upon them. (Matthew 10:16-23) Yet, this was not a reason for them to become discouraged. In fact, God's servants who have prayerfully relied on Jehovah have often been strengthened by persecution. -Acts 4:2--31; 5:41, 42.

Even when Christ's disciples were not suffering intense persecution, they were not always favorably received. (Matthew 10:11-15) Likewise, the preaching work of Jehovah's Witnesses is not always performed with ease today. To many people, belief in God is a personal matter that they do not wish to discuss. Others want nothing to do with a religious organization toward which they have certain prejudices. Without a doubt, indifference, the lack of results, or various other problems can be formidable sources of discouragement. How can these obstacles be overcome?

Next time: Obtaining Better Results

Watchtower, 1999

YOU CAN COPE With Discouragement!

Help Is Available

If you occasionally suffer a mild bout of discouragement, you may find that you will feel better if you get some extra rest or a nourishing meal. Nathan H. Knorr, who served as a member of the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses until his death in 1977, once observed that big problems often appear much smaller after a good night's sleep. When the problem is more persistent, however, such a remedy may not be adequate-you will need to help to battle discouragement.

Jehovah sent an angel to strengthen Elijah. Today, God provides encouragement through the elders and other mature Christians. The elders really can "prove to be like a hiding place from the wind." (Isaiah 32:1, 2) But to get encouragement from them, you may need to take the initiative. As discouraged as Elijah was, he traveled to Mount Horeb to receive instruction from Jehovah. We receive strengthening instruction through the Christians congregation.

When we accept help and courageously face up to tests, such as hurt feelings, or the loss of privileges, we uphold Jehovah's side of an important issue. What issue? Satan contended that humans serve Jehovah only our of self-interest. Satan does not deny that we will serve God when everything in our life is running smoothly, but he contends that we will stop serving God when we run into problems. (Job, chapters 1 and 2) By unwaveringly carrying on in Jehovah's service despite discouragement, we can help give and answer to the Devil's slanderous accusation. -Proverbs 27:11.

Hannah, Mark and Elijah all had problems that briefly robbed them of their joy. However, they coped with their problems and led productive lives. With Jehovah's help, you too can cope with discouragement!

Next time: Our Quest for a Longer Life

Watchtower, 2001