1 Kings 19
Definition: _____________________________
Characteristics of Discouragement:
- Discouragement is an ancient problem.
- Discouragement is a universal problem.
- Discouragement is no respecter of persons.
- Discouragement leads to negative thoughts.
How do you feel and act when you are discouraged? 1 Kings 19:4.
“In the desert, in loneliness and discouragement, Elijah had said that he had had enough of life and had prayed that he might die. But the Lord in His mercy had not taken him at his word. There was yet a great work for Elijah to do; and when his work was done, he was not to perish in discouragement and solitude. Not for him the descent into the tomb, but the ascent with God’s angels to the presence of His glory.” Conflict and Courage, p. 223.
“A reaction such as frequently follows high faith and glorious success was pressing upon Elijah. He feared that the reformation begun on Carmel might not be lasting, and depression seized him. He had been exalted to Pisgah’s top; now he was in the valley. While under the inspiration of the Almighty, he had stood the severest trial of faith; but in this time of discouragement, with Jezebel’s threat sounding in his ears and Satan still apparently prevailing through the plotting of this wicked woman, he lost his hold on God. He had been exalted above measure, and the reaction was tremendous.” Prophets and Kings, pp.161, 162.
1 Kings 19:5 -7.
- Discouragement causes us to evade our responsibilities.
1 Kings 19:9.
- Discouragement causes us to blame others for our predicament.
Why do we do that?
Remember: God is WITH US even in our discouragement.
How to Defeat Discouragement
- Positive ACTION
The moment of greatest discouragement is the time when divine help is nearest.” Desire of Ages, p.528.
1 Kings 19:15.
“For the disheartened there is a sure remedy,–faith, prayer, work. Faith and activity will impart assurance and satisfaction that will increase day by day. Are you tempted to give way to feelings of anxious foreboding or utter despondency? In the darkest days, when appearances seem most forbidding, fear not. Have faith in God. He knows your need. He has all power. His infinite love and compassion never weary. Fear not that He will fail of fulfilling His promise. He is eternal truth. Never will He change the covenant He has made with those who love Him. And He will bestow upon His faithful servants the measure of efficiency that their need demands.” Prophets and Kings, pp. 164, 165.
For Discussion:
- Why am I discouraged?
- How can I change this situation?
- Begin to change the situation, even if you don’t feel like it.
- Positive THINKING
“ As a man thinks, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7.
“Now we may go into a cellar and stay there and look around into its dark corners, and we can talk of the darkness and say, ‘Oh, it is so dark here,’ and keep talking about it. But will it make it any lighter? Oh no! What are you going to do? Come out of it; come out of the dark into the upper chamber where the light of God’s countenance shines brightly.” Mind, Character, and Personality, pp. 490, 491.
Philippians 4:8.
“When life kicks you, just make sure it kicks you forward.” E. Stanley Jones
3. Positive WORDS
1 Thessalonians 4:18. What words offer comfort and hope?
Find one Bible text that offers comfort and hope. __________
4. Wait patiently.
Psalms 27:14
5. Look to JESUS!
Find one Bible text that points us to Him. __________
“Don’t go to others with your trials and temptations; God alone can help you.” Mind, Character, and Personality, p. 494.
“He desires you to lay your perplexities and troubles at His feet, and to leave them there. When temptations assail you, when darkness seems to surround your soul, look to the place where you last saw the light. Rest in Christ’s love, and under His protecting care.” Manuscript Releases, Vol.5, p. 171.
by Henry Dering