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Don't be Discouraged- Psalms 42:5
Don’t Be Discouraged
Life is hard. That is the plain truth. Every day we wake up to the harsh realities of the world we live in, rising prices, hunger in many homes, unemployment for graduates who worked hard to earn their certificates, and endless news of killings, kidnappings, and corruption. Everywhere we turn, there seems to be a reason to sigh in despair. Even as Christians, these prevailing hardships sometimes shake us, leaving us destabilized and questioning: “Where is God in all of this?”
The devil takes advantage of such moments. He whispers: “You need to survive. Just do what others are doing. Cut corners. Bend a little. It doesn’t matter how—just make sure you belong.” Sadly, many who once walked with Christ fall into this trap. In desperation to “make it,” they cross the line. Some get involved in internet fraud, others sell their bodies, some join cults, and many dabble into dishonest businesses. The desire to belong, to escape hardship, has led many to ruin. Yet, the word of God comes clearly today: “Don’t be discouraged.”
In Psalm 42:5, the psalmist cried out, “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.” Discouragement is real, but it is not final. Hardship is real, but it does not define the end of our story. Throughout Scripture, we see that suffering was never the conclusion for God’s people. Joseph endured betrayal and prison before he sat on the throne in Egypt. Israel groaned under the weight of slavery before the Red Sea parted. Even our Lord Jesus wore a crown of thorns before He was given the crown of glory. Child of God, your present struggle is not your final destination—it is only a passage.
The temptation in these moments is to compromise. When food is scarce, when bills are piling, when the pressure to “show success” is unbearable, the world’s shortcut begins to look attractive. But Jesus warns us in Mark 8:36: “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul?” There is a kind of wealth that destroys, a kind of success that is short-lived, and a kind of comfort that leaves eternal regret. The devil has nothing to give for free—every offer comes with destruction attached.
But here is our assurance: God is still on the throne. He is not blind to your struggles, nor deaf to your cries. The same God who sent ravens to feed Elijah in the wilderness, who brought water from a rock for Israel, and who multiplied loaves and fishes for the hungry crowd is the same God watching over you today. David said in Psalm 37:25, “I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” God has not changed. He who was faithful then is still faithful now.
Beloved, understand this: faith is not tested in good times; it is tested in fire. Daniel’s faith was not proven in the palace but in the lion’s den. The three Hebrew boys did not demonstrate their loyalty to God by singing hymns in the temple but by refusing to bow before the golden image, even when the furnace was seven times hotter. In the same way, your faith is being tested in this season. Will you stand with God, or will you bow to the pressure of compromise? James 1:12 reminds us: “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”
So I say again: don’t be discouraged. Don’t let the hardship of today rob you of the glory of tomorrow. Don’t let the pressure of belonging push you into ungodly means of income. Don’t sell your eternity for a temporary taste of comfort. The God who lifted Joseph, who preserved Daniel, and who restored Job will also lift you.
And perhaps as you hear this message, you realize you have already crossed the line. Maybe you have compromised, maybe you have given in, maybe you feel trapped in the web of sin or shortcuts. The good news is that Christ is still calling you back. In Matthew 11:28, He says: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” You do not have to remain where you fell. His arms are open. His blood still forgives. His mercy still restores.
Therefore, rise up from discouragement. Hold on to your faith. Refuse to bow to compromise. For though the night seems long, joy is coming in the morning.
Life is hard. That is the plain truth. Every day we wake up to the harsh realities of the world we live in, rising prices, hunger in many homes, unemployment for graduates who worked hard to earn their certificates, and endless news of killings, kidnappings, and corruption. Everywhere we turn, there seems to be a reason to sigh in despair. Even as Christians, these prevailing hardships sometimes shake us, leaving us destabilized and questioning: “Where is God in all of this?”
The devil takes advantage of such moments. He whispers: “You need to survive. Just do what others are doing. Cut corners. Bend a little. It doesn’t matter how—just make sure you belong.” Sadly, many who once walked with Christ fall into this trap. In desperation to “make it,” they cross the line. Some get involved in internet fraud, others sell their bodies, some join cults, and many dabble into dishonest businesses. The desire to belong, to escape hardship, has led many to ruin. Yet, the word of God comes clearly today: “Don’t be discouraged.”
In Psalm 42:5, the psalmist cried out, “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.” Discouragement is real, but it is not final. Hardship is real, but it does not define the end of our story. Throughout Scripture, we see that suffering was never the conclusion for God’s people. Joseph endured betrayal and prison before he sat on the throne in Egypt. Israel groaned under the weight of slavery before the Red Sea parted. Even our Lord Jesus wore a crown of thorns before He was given the crown of glory. Child of God, your present struggle is not your final destination—it is only a passage.
The temptation in these moments is to compromise. When food is scarce, when bills are piling, when the pressure to “show success” is unbearable, the world’s shortcut begins to look attractive. But Jesus warns us in Mark 8:36: “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul?” There is a kind of wealth that destroys, a kind of success that is short-lived, and a kind of comfort that leaves eternal regret. The devil has nothing to give for free—every offer comes with destruction attached.
But here is our assurance: God is still on the throne. He is not blind to your struggles, nor deaf to your cries. The same God who sent ravens to feed Elijah in the wilderness, who brought water from a rock for Israel, and who multiplied loaves and fishes for the hungry crowd is the same God watching over you today. David said in Psalm 37:25, “I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” God has not changed. He who was faithful then is still faithful now.
Beloved, understand this: faith is not tested in good times; it is tested in fire. Daniel’s faith was not proven in the palace but in the lion’s den. The three Hebrew boys did not demonstrate their loyalty to God by singing hymns in the temple but by refusing to bow before the golden image, even when the furnace was seven times hotter. In the same way, your faith is being tested in this season. Will you stand with God, or will you bow to the pressure of compromise? James 1:12 reminds us: “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”
So I say again: don’t be discouraged. Don’t let the hardship of today rob you of the glory of tomorrow. Don’t let the pressure of belonging push you into ungodly means of income. Don’t sell your eternity for a temporary taste of comfort. The God who lifted Joseph, who preserved Daniel, and who restored Job will also lift you.
And perhaps as you hear this message, you realize you have already crossed the line. Maybe you have compromised, maybe you have given in, maybe you feel trapped in the web of sin or shortcuts. The good news is that Christ is still calling you back. In Matthew 11:28, He says: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” You do not have to remain where you fell. His arms are open. His blood still forgives. His mercy still restores.
Therefore, rise up from discouragement. Hold on to your faith. Refuse to bow to compromise. For though the night seems long, joy is coming in the morning.
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By PreachifyDon’t Be Discouraged
Life is hard. That is the plain truth. Every day we wake up to the harsh realities of the world we live in, rising prices, hunger in many homes, unemployment for graduates who worked hard to earn their certificates, and endless news of killings, kidnappings, and corruption. Everywhere we turn, there seems to be a reason to sigh in despair. Even as Christians, these prevailing hardships sometimes shake us, leaving us destabilized and questioning: “Where is God in all of this?”
The devil takes advantage of such moments. He whispers: “You need to survive. Just do what others are doing. Cut corners. Bend a little. It doesn’t matter how—just make sure you belong.” Sadly, many who once walked with Christ fall into this trap. In desperation to “make it,” they cross the line. Some get involved in internet fraud, others sell their bodies, some join cults, and many dabble into dishonest businesses. The desire to belong, to escape hardship, has led many to ruin. Yet, the word of God comes clearly today: “Don’t be discouraged.”
In Psalm 42:5, the psalmist cried out, “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.” Discouragement is real, but it is not final. Hardship is real, but it does not define the end of our story. Throughout Scripture, we see that suffering was never the conclusion for God’s people. Joseph endured betrayal and prison before he sat on the throne in Egypt. Israel groaned under the weight of slavery before the Red Sea parted. Even our Lord Jesus wore a crown of thorns before He was given the crown of glory. Child of God, your present struggle is not your final destination—it is only a passage.
The temptation in these moments is to compromise. When food is scarce, when bills are piling, when the pressure to “show success” is unbearable, the world’s shortcut begins to look attractive. But Jesus warns us in Mark 8:36: “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul?” There is a kind of wealth that destroys, a kind of success that is short-lived, and a kind of comfort that leaves eternal regret. The devil has nothing to give for free—every offer comes with destruction attached.
But here is our assurance: God is still on the throne. He is not blind to your struggles, nor deaf to your cries. The same God who sent ravens to feed Elijah in the wilderness, who brought water from a rock for Israel, and who multiplied loaves and fishes for the hungry crowd is the same God watching over you today. David said in Psalm 37:25, “I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” God has not changed. He who was faithful then is still faithful now.
Beloved, understand this: faith is not tested in good times; it is tested in fire. Daniel’s faith was not proven in the palace but in the lion’s den. The three Hebrew boys did not demonstrate their loyalty to God by singing hymns in the temple but by refusing to bow before the golden image, even when the furnace was seven times hotter. In the same way, your faith is being tested in this season. Will you stand with God, or will you bow to the pressure of compromise? James 1:12 reminds us: “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”
So I say again: don’t be discouraged. Don’t let the hardship of today rob you of the glory of tomorrow. Don’t let the pressure of belonging push you into ungodly means of income. Don’t sell your eternity for a temporary taste of comfort. The God who lifted Joseph, who preserved Daniel, and who restored Job will also lift you.
And perhaps as you hear this message, you realize you have already crossed the line. Maybe you have compromised, maybe you have given in, maybe you feel trapped in the web of sin or shortcuts. The good news is that Christ is still calling you back. In Matthew 11:28, He says: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” You do not have to remain where you fell. His arms are open. His blood still forgives. His mercy still restores.
Therefore, rise up from discouragement. Hold on to your faith. Refuse to bow to compromise. For though the night seems long, joy is coming in the morning.
Life is hard. That is the plain truth. Every day we wake up to the harsh realities of the world we live in, rising prices, hunger in many homes, unemployment for graduates who worked hard to earn their certificates, and endless news of killings, kidnappings, and corruption. Everywhere we turn, there seems to be a reason to sigh in despair. Even as Christians, these prevailing hardships sometimes shake us, leaving us destabilized and questioning: “Where is God in all of this?”
The devil takes advantage of such moments. He whispers: “You need to survive. Just do what others are doing. Cut corners. Bend a little. It doesn’t matter how—just make sure you belong.” Sadly, many who once walked with Christ fall into this trap. In desperation to “make it,” they cross the line. Some get involved in internet fraud, others sell their bodies, some join cults, and many dabble into dishonest businesses. The desire to belong, to escape hardship, has led many to ruin. Yet, the word of God comes clearly today: “Don’t be discouraged.”
In Psalm 42:5, the psalmist cried out, “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.” Discouragement is real, but it is not final. Hardship is real, but it does not define the end of our story. Throughout Scripture, we see that suffering was never the conclusion for God’s people. Joseph endured betrayal and prison before he sat on the throne in Egypt. Israel groaned under the weight of slavery before the Red Sea parted. Even our Lord Jesus wore a crown of thorns before He was given the crown of glory. Child of God, your present struggle is not your final destination—it is only a passage.
The temptation in these moments is to compromise. When food is scarce, when bills are piling, when the pressure to “show success” is unbearable, the world’s shortcut begins to look attractive. But Jesus warns us in Mark 8:36: “What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul?” There is a kind of wealth that destroys, a kind of success that is short-lived, and a kind of comfort that leaves eternal regret. The devil has nothing to give for free—every offer comes with destruction attached.
But here is our assurance: God is still on the throne. He is not blind to your struggles, nor deaf to your cries. The same God who sent ravens to feed Elijah in the wilderness, who brought water from a rock for Israel, and who multiplied loaves and fishes for the hungry crowd is the same God watching over you today. David said in Psalm 37:25, “I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” God has not changed. He who was faithful then is still faithful now.
Beloved, understand this: faith is not tested in good times; it is tested in fire. Daniel’s faith was not proven in the palace but in the lion’s den. The three Hebrew boys did not demonstrate their loyalty to God by singing hymns in the temple but by refusing to bow before the golden image, even when the furnace was seven times hotter. In the same way, your faith is being tested in this season. Will you stand with God, or will you bow to the pressure of compromise? James 1:12 reminds us: “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”
So I say again: don’t be discouraged. Don’t let the hardship of today rob you of the glory of tomorrow. Don’t let the pressure of belonging push you into ungodly means of income. Don’t sell your eternity for a temporary taste of comfort. The God who lifted Joseph, who preserved Daniel, and who restored Job will also lift you.
And perhaps as you hear this message, you realize you have already crossed the line. Maybe you have compromised, maybe you have given in, maybe you feel trapped in the web of sin or shortcuts. The good news is that Christ is still calling you back. In Matthew 11:28, He says: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” You do not have to remain where you fell. His arms are open. His blood still forgives. His mercy still restores.
Therefore, rise up from discouragement. Hold on to your faith. Refuse to bow to compromise. For though the night seems long, joy is coming in the morning.