The Cures for Discouragement, Part 1

Scripture: Nehemiah 4:13-14         

then I stationed men in the lowest parts of the space behind the wall, the exposed places, and I stationed the people in families with their swords, spears and bows. When I saw their fear, I rose and spoke to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people: "Do not be afraid of them; remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives and your houses."

Insights: So far this week we have looked at the cradle of discouragement and the causes of discouragement.  The rest of the week we will look at the cures for discouragement.  We will look at two of them today.  First, serve together for a goal.  Look at verse thirteen.  You may recall back in chapter three Nehemiah dispersed the people all over Jerusalem to work on the wall.  Well, now that discouragement and rumors of attack have waylaid the work, he had to come up with a different approach.  So, Nehemiah groups them up in family units and has them work on the section of the wall in front of their own home.  Think about this for a moment.  If they are working in front of their own home on the wall, which they need for their preservation (the goal by the way), then what kind of work do you think they will do?  The best work possible because they don’t want the wall to falter in front of their house.  So, they have a goal with which to serve the Lord.  Second, serve with your attention on the Lord.  Look at verse fourteen.  Nehemiah tells them to remember the Lord who is great and awesome.  Remember yesterday we mentioned their eyes were on the rubbish all around them.  In other words, their eyes were down.  Nehemiah is now attempting to get their eyes off of themselves and the potential dangers and back up on the Lord who is great and awesome.  There are two really good ways to get our attention back on the Lord while we are serving Him.  One, recall the blessings God has given you.  We often sing a song titled Count Your Blessings.  That is very good advice.  Two, recall the promises God has given you.  Promises like, “I will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).”  So, Beloved, go out there and serve the Lord together for a goal He has given you and keep your eyes focused on Him.  Let your service bring Him glory!

Questions:

1. On what spiritual goal are you working?
2. Where is your attention focused?

Prayer: Father, open my eyes to You and the goal on which You would have me to work.  The provide me with the courage and boldness to accomplish the goal You have given to me.  And please, Lord, reassure my heart that You are with me as I strive to reach the goal. Amen.