Asking God For Strength in the Midst of Discouragement

What causes discouragement for you? Discouragement may look like a lack of confidence, a feeling of hopelessness, or the loss of confidence. Sometimes we get discouraged because of our circumstances, while at other times, we feel discouraged because of what others who wish us harm have said and done.

Nehemiah’s adversaries knew exactly what to do to make any normal person feel discouraged. Sanballat and Geshem tried to intimidate Nehemiah by threatening to spread lies that Nehemiah was leading a revolt (Nehemiah 6:5-7). Tobiah and Sanballat hired Shemaiah the prophet to try to make Nehemiah fear for his life (Nehemiah 6:12). And apparently, the prophetess Noadiah and other prophets had been actively trying to break down Nehemiah’s resolve (Nehemiah 6:14). Nehemiah was surrounded on all sides by enemies from within the people of Israel (Shemaiah, Noadiah, and other prophets) and from without (Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem).

And yet, Nehemiah neither gave in to despair nor sinful anger for vengeance against his enemies. Instead, he turned to God for strength in the midst of discouragement with a simple prayer: “Now strengthen my hands” (Nehemiah 6:9). He knew that the only way to overcome a storm of discouragement was to be tied to the strong anchor of his soul (Hebrews 6:19). Instead of going in his own strength, he turned to God — the limitless source of all power.

Furthermore, instead of taking vengeance into his own hands for what these enemies had done to him, he asked God to remember their misdeeds in His time, in His way, and according to His perfect justice (Nehemiah 6:14). Giving his vengeance over to God was a sign of Nehemiah’s trust.

In your conversations with God, consider these questions and practical ideas as you pray like Nehemiah:

• What causes discouragement for you? What does it look like when you are discouraged?

• Have you been tempted to take vengeance your own way? Why did that seem appealing to you? What does that say about your understanding of who God is?

• When discouragement comes your way, don’t try to fight against it on your own strength. Turn to God for strength to be faithful in the day-to-day, even when your heart may not be in it.

• When the discouragement comes from people who wish you harm, you have every right to be angry, but don’t take vengeance into your own hands. Give it to God and ask Him to deal with it according to His perfect wisdom and justice. And then you’ll have the freedom to be able to continue your work without carrying the burden of bitterness and resentment.