HEART MATTERS withCandiciaAshman Discouraged but notDefeated

Christians may at times seem like walking affirmations and bible quotes but believe it or not, there will be days when discouragement will come.

The Lord knows our heart will face discouragement and as such the bible is flooded with scripture to remind us that though we may be discouraged at times, we don’t have to be defeated by it.

A famous scripture often used that is even a song in Jamaica is Psalm 61, verse 2 says, “From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”

When we get discouraged, it’s important to remember that we can cry out to God and that He is bigger, greater and higher than anything we may face.

Life can be hard and this world can be discouraging but even in overwhelming times, we can thrive and rise above it all. You can survive this heart matter and get your heart in that place of joy again. Don’t give up!

These have been helpful to me in my times of discouragement:

3 keys to overcome discouragement as a believer:

1. Meditate

It may not be on a yoga mat in the Himalayas, but meditation despite popular belief is not as worldly as the church makes it. If anything, the world has taken this sacred practice from the church and made it carnal.

The Bible speaks a lot on meditation, specifically, on the word of God.

Sometimes we read the bible and word goes through us, and at other times, the world goes within, it is stored until we need it and it is from that reservoir that we are able to withdraw when we are in dyer need of some motivation, guidance and encouragement.

‘Meditate’ in this sense means to think activity upon,’ making the word come alive in your heart. When you feeldiscouraged meditate on the word of God.

What does God word say about this situation?

What in the word opposes this word I am hearing now?

2. Affirm

Now that you have thought actively upon the word of God, now it is time to speak the word back into your life and atmosphere.

The words on the pages arepowerless until it is spoken. Use the word to affirm yourself and bring a reminder as to what God says about this situation. This is a prophetic action; begin to speak things and changes into being that you would like to see.

Job 22:28 “Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways.”

Write down your daily affirmations and read them aloud. You control how your emotions are impacted as your day goes on and not the other way around. When discouragement knocks on your door, let it meet up on the full wrath and truth of God’s word. In the end, it is what God says that matters.

3. Associate

Proverbs 22:24-25 (NCV) “ Don’t make friends with quick tempered people or spend time with those who have bad tempers. If you do, you will be like them. Then you will be in real danger.”

In times of joy or despair, your circle does matter. Who you associate with can either row your boat or drill holes in them on your journey of wholesomeness. Its good practice when you are feeling discouraged not to wallow too much in it, a change of environment and association with close friends and family can help you get in a better head space. However, choose who you are associated with in those vulnerable moments wisely Don’t join pity parties that make you feel worse off than you entered. There are people who are energy givers and energy takers and in your lowest times, you need someone who will refuel and help refocus you.

In conclusion, life happens, and that’s ok! Being a Christian doesn’t mean you will be a walking ray of sunshine 24/7 and it doesn’t mean you won’t have problems to deal with. Face those days head on and keep pressing. Discouragement will come as with any heart challenge, but you don’t have to stay in the funk. You don’t have to be defeated. Your heart matters

Candicia Ashman is an Author, Speaker and Christian Creative who is eager to make waves in the Kingdom through real conversations and encouraging healing through Jesus Christ.