In a 100-year-old devotional book I read an interesting vignette. Three demons sat with Satan discussing how to make a particular woman sin:
“I will show her the pleasure of sin,” said the first.
“I will show her the pain of righteousness,” said the second.
But Satan was not pleased until the third said, “I will discourage her.”
I know this is true in my life.
When I am discouraged, I am more likely to slip into bad thought patterns, wallow in self-pity, overlook my blessings, get irritable, and miss God’s purposes for my day.
Fortunately, when we're discouraged, we can avoid the pit of sin and despair by quickly turning our hearts and thoughts toward God.
“But You, O LORD, are a shield about me, My glory, and the One who lifts my head.” Psalm 3:3
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For more thoughts on discouragement, read these 1-Minute devotions:
Beatin' the Blues
Eat, Rest, Cry
Thank you! Thank you for this post and it is so true. Discouragement is a huge thing to get over. It causes me to lose focus and think that circumstances are bigger than they really are and God is smaller than He really is.
ReplyDeleteOh this is good!! He is the liar that uses discouragement to take our eyes of of Jesus and put them on our circumstances. This is probably the most difficult thing for me, when I allow him to feed me lie after lie. Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate this post so much Gail. I too am guilty of allowing the Devil to use the old discouragement trick on me. Funny thing is you would think by now I would recognize his handiwork. I think Dave and Brenda's comments said it best.
ReplyDeleteGod bless!
You have no idea how timely it was for me to, first come across your blog through Cornerstone Confessions, second to read the devotional on discouragement. Thank you God for guiding me to this spot this evening and for giving Gail this heart for you and for us.
ReplyDeleteJanet
I'm so blessed to hear that God used this to speak to your heart, Janet. Bless you,
DeleteGail
Love your posts Gail! I am totally amazed at the rate in which you write these posts too! Amazing gift.
ReplyDeleteOh! Amen! I needed to read this today. Thank you for your encouragement!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for linking up at More to Be. Your post is perfect!
ReplyDeleteamen! timeless truth indeed. thank-you as always, for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHow perfect is God’s Word! It is true and timeless.
ReplyDeleteThis was just what I needed to read this morning, thank you!
ReplyDeleteThis was me yesterday, this post is timely, God sent it directly to me,thank you and may God continue to keep us motivated for service in Jesus name amen
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