I’m examining how we can fight our way out of discouragement and find victory over that common struggle.

Find someone whose faith is strong

Paul wrote to the Romans: I long to see you…that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith (Romans 1:11-12). Here's another biblical principle for defeating discouragement: Spend some time with a person whose faith is strong. Let them share their faith with you.

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:25).

We need to get together more often, even in the midst of our busy lives, because we need each other to stay encouraged. If you've been trying to go it on your own, without fellowship with other believers, you will find discouragement lurking at your door.

Stay in the Word

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope (Romans 15:4).

Make yourself get into the Word of God. Even if it seems dry and lifeless to you, keep reading. It was written for our encouragement, and if you keep reading, it will encourage you.

Focus on Jesus' return

In 1 Thessalonians, we are told of the return of Jesus, and Paul writes to encourage each other. When you think you can't take this old world anymore, when it looks like there is no hope on the horizon, when you're just fed up with everything, start talking about Jesus' coming again. How often do you say, "Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus!"? How often do you think, "It may be today!"? The more we think about his second coming, the more we will be encouraged.

Don't fight - show up!

In 2 Chronicles 20 the prophet, Jahaziel said: Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's...Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.

You're never going to win your battle on your own. But the good news is, it's not your battle. It's the Lord's. You don't have to fight; just show up. God's victories are waiting for you to claim, but he's waiting to see you exercise faith even before you see the victory.

"Take heart," Jesus said. We have hope; we have a future; we have his presence and power. We are not alone or desolate. Take heart. I pray you will be able to defeat discouragement in your life.