Overcoming the Big “D” of Discouragement (Pt. 1)
One of the most effective tools that Satan has in his toolbox is the tool of discouragement! If you have pastored for even a short time, you have battled the big “D.” It can be crippling and paralyzing. You can have so many mornings to where it is a victory to just get out of bed.
The miracle-working prophet Elijah had just won a mighty victory over 450 prophets of Baal in dramatic fashion in 1 Kings 18. But by chapter 19, Elijah was actually asking God to take his life. He didn’t feel like his life was worth continuing. Elijah is the picture of a discouraged man. He fled into the wilderness, collapsed under a tree, and was ready to throw in the towel. Eventually Elijah overcame his battle with discouragement and continued on in God’s work. But I am sure he battled it many more times in his life.
I love how honest the Bible is, and how we see the good, the bad, and the ugly in humanity. Pastors, we are first and foremost HUMAN. As long as you are on this earth, you will battle the same problems that all other humans battle. But something new was introduced into our humanity – God’s very Spirit! He lives inside of us to sustain us through all of our earthly, human struggles.
I believe this story is a huge blessing to us as pastors in helping us understand, and more importantly, successfully manage the big “D” of discouragement.
We Learn 3 Important Facts About Discouragement
First, good people battle discouragement.
I Kings 18:46 proclaims, “The hand of the Lord was on Elijah…” Elijah was a man of faith, totally committed to God, yet he battled discouragement and even suicidal types of thoughts. It’s easy to look down on another person who is going through discouragement. Our legalistic and judgmental side reasons, “If they just had faith, they wouldn’t be this way.” It is SO easy to minimize discouragement in another person’s life.
I remember a time about 20 years into my ministry when I was so hurt, so devastated, and so discouraged that I called a friend weeping. Basically his advice was, “Suck it up man…you got to get it together.” Needless to say, he was no help whatsoever. Granted, he was not the right guy to call. He was not a pastor and could not possibly understand what I was going through.
When you are battling discouragement, ask God to help you to reach out to the right person, preferably another pastor who understands the forest you are trying to navigate through. Somebody who will not judge you, but understands that good, faith filled people still battle discouragement.
Second, discouragement can come at the strangest times.
Elijah’s battle with depression and discouragement came after a huge, slam dunk victory. Remember, the higher you are up on the mountain, the easier it is to fall off… and the harder the fall. Elijah was doing a fantastic job as God’s prophet, but not everybody thought so! Jezebel hated him and vowed to kill him within 24 hours. After this incredible display as God’s prophet you would think that everybody would be patting Elijah on the back and commending him. Instead he endured venomous attacks which led to the despondent attitude of, “Just kill me Lord!”
Some of my biggest times of discouragement came when the church was doing its best. You may fight discouragement after a bad day at church, or oddly enough, you may battle it after a victorious day. Discouragement can come at the strangest times!
Third, discouragement can be disabling.
Here is how 1 Kings 19:4 reads:
But he went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a juniper tree and asked that he might die, saying, “It is enough! Now, O Lord, take my life, for I am not better than my fathers.”
Elijah was physically, mentally, and emotionally DONE! The gas tank was completely empty. Have you ever felt this way? Discouragement can grip you to where you don’t feel like you can take another step. It can put you in the bed to where you can’t get out. Discouragement is such a powerful weapon that Satan utilizes. It can paralyze and disable you.
Next week we will continue to examine the number one reason why pastors leave the ministry – discouragement! But for right now, let me end this blog by saying, I am here for you. If you need to talk to somebody, reach out to me today. And please know that God will meet you in your discouragement. God is merciful, gracious, and Jesus promised to help us in our time of need. Picture Jesus weeping in the Garden of Gethsemane, then consider this verse.
“For since He Himself (Jesus) suffered while being tempted, He is able to help those who are being tempted.” Hebrews 2:18