Hope in God

November 19, 2009

By Patrick J. Donadio

Have you ever felt discouraged? Perhaps that is what you are experiencing today. Discouragement destroys hope, so naturally the devil always tries to discourage us. Without hope we give up, which is what our adversary wants us to do.

The Bible repeatedly tells us not to be discouraged or dismayed. God knows that we will not come through to victory if we get discouraged, so He always encourages us as we start out on a project or we begin to tackle a new situation in our life. God tells us, “Don’t get discouraged.”

I love to read and reread Psalm 42:5: “Why are you cast down, O my inner self? And why should you moan over me and be disquieted within me? Hope in God and wait expectantly for Him, for I shall yet praise Him, my Help and My God” (Amplified).

When discouragement or condemnation tries to overtake you, examine your thought life. What kinds of thoughts have you been thinking? Have they sounded something like this?

“I’m not going to make it. This is too hard. I always fail. Nothing ever changes. I’m sure other people don’t have this much trouble getting their minds focused. I may as well give up. I’m tired of trying. I pray, but it seems as if God doesn’t hear me.”

If this example represents your thoughts, it is no wonder you get discouraged or come under condemnation.

Instead of dwelling on those thoughts, let this be your prayer: “I refuse to be discouraged. Father, God. Your Word says that You do not condemn me. You sent Jesus to die for me. I’ll be fine. Today will be a great day. I’m depending on You for my victory!”

Be cheerful, positive and keep your mind stayed on Him!

— Chaplain Patrick J. Donadio serves the graduate and professional students of Evangel University in Springfield, Mo.