Why Do We Get So Discouraged?

Image from Canva

Why does the Bible tell us,

"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience."
—James 1:2–3 (KJV)

This isn’t a casual suggestion—it’s a direct command. We are to respond with joy in the face of trials. But how can we possibly be joyful when hurtful or even tragic things are happening to us?

Let’s shift our perspective.
Philippians 4:13 (NKJV) tells us,

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

And in 1 John 4:4 (NKJV), we read,

"He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world."

These scriptures remind us that our strength doesn't come from our circumstances—it comes from Christ within us. James 4:7 (NIV) reinforces this truth:

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

One minister once said that whenever trouble came, he would get excited—because he expected God to bring victory. His life became a living testimony of overcoming through faith.

To get to this level of trust, we must grow in our understanding of:

• God’s unshakable love for us (Romans 8:15 NLT: “Now we call him, ‘Abba, Father.’”)

• Our authority over all evil (Luke 10:19 NIV: “I have given you authority… to overcome all the power of the enemy.”)

• And the truth that discouragement is temporary, but God’s Word is eternal.
  
  

Declaration for Today

“I will not be discouraged by what I see—I will be encouraged by what I believe. God's Word is working in my life, and victory is mine through Jesus Christ. I choose joy in every trial because I know God is bringing me through.”

Prayer:

Father God,
Thank You that Your Word is greater than any trial I face. Help me to choose joy even when I don't feel it, trusting that You are working all things for my good. Remind me of the authority You've given me in Christ, and teach me to expect victory every time. I give You my discouragement and trade it for hope, peace, and strength.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.