Sometimes its hard to get past discouragement. I must be honest; I am still learning how to do it. It is a daily journey. I struggle with the annoying nuances of life that continue to repeat themselves over and over so it seems. Then there is this voice inside of my head that says, “Why can’t things be this way?” or “Why do I have to keep dealing with this?” or “Can I get a break?!” These are our inner stress and frustration calls. So the question really is, what do we do? How do we deal with discouragement?
I am at a place in my life where I seek out balance. Imbalance is a fruit of discouragement that can have a serious impact on one’s life. The things that have been consistent and heightened for the past 10 years of my life are trials. It could be because during those years, in addition to worrying about myself, I am now a mother so I worry about my son as well. Life is already full of so much pressure and now my pressure includes making sure I am raising my son well and keeping him safe. It also includes needing to access that extra serving of patience it takes to be a parent. So my life gets out of balance. You can tell when I am off balance, because my weight drastically fluctuates, my home is a mess, I feel confused…etc. I’ve finally decided I am utterly tired of the fruits of discouragement. If you can align with any of the things I am saying I am sure you are tired of it too. So now the question is, how do we find balance?
I’ve decided to embark on a 21 day fast. A time of prayer and fasting to ask God to help me come back to the middle…to stay balanced. I am using this time to turn my struggles over to God and ask Him to help me be balanced regardless of what life sends my way. In Philippians 4:10-13 Paul says to the church of Philippi, “ 10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your[a] care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to [b]be abased, and I know how to [c]abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through [d]Christ who strengthens me.” This is such a powerful scripture to reference when seeking out balance. Paul understands that through Christ’s strength he can maintain contentment regardless of what life brings his way. This is the balance I speak of. Balance you can say is the biproduct of contentment; they work hand in hand.
So I want you to know that I have begun my fasting and prayer today. I will continue to pray for you in hopes that you will seek out God to remedy your discouragement. God knows what we are going through and what we are facing. He wants us to tap into the peace and contentment that only He can provide.
Be blessed.
John 14:27 (NKJV)
27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
John 16:33 (NKJV)
33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you [a]will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Matthew 6:17,18 (NKJV)
17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, 18 so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you [a]openly.
You Still Love Me 