INTRODUCTORY THOUGHTS

As we have seen, courage comes from a strength of heart. On the contrary, the Bible likens discouragement (the opposite of courage) to a melted heart (Joshua 2:11And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.
See All...). In other words, discouragement takes place when a man’s heart loses strength. The Bible reveals that discouragement comes through various avenues of life. Men become discouraged because of “the way” (i.e., the circumstances of life) (Numbers 21:4And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way.
See All...). Discouragement also results from fear and unbelief (Deuteronomy 1:28Whither shall we go up? our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying, The people is greater and taller than we; the cities are great and walled up to heaven; and moreover we have seen the sons of the Anakims there.
See All...) and the magnitude of a task (1 Chronicles 28:20And David said to Solomon his son, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: fear not, nor be dismayed: for the LORD God, even my God, will be with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work for the service of the house of the LORD.
See All...). Ultimately, discouragement rears its ugly head as a result of a lack of faith in God and His word. Since discouragement and a lack of faith go hand in hand, a discouraged man cannot please God (Hebrews 11:6But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
See All...).

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children) David faced a giant without fear because he knew God was with him. Let's ask God to help us not to be afraid of the things He wants us to do.
• (For everyone) Are you discouraged? What caused you to become so discouraged? Has your faith been replaced by doubt? Is the Lord pleased with your courage?
• Is discouragement hindering your service to God? Are you willing to allow His word to strengthen your heart once more?

PRAYER THOUGHTS

• Ask God to shield you from the enemies of courage.
• Ask the Lord to help you to see signs of discouragement in your life before becoming consumed by it.

SONG

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

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