In John 14:1 Jesus said, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” In John 16:33, Jesus also said, “In this world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have overcome the world.” So in essence, Jesus lets us know that we will have trouble. Life will not always be easy or make us happy. But in the midst of disappointing times, we are not to let our hearts be troubled or distressed. Said another way, do not let your heart be overcome with discouragement.

Discouragement says, “I have a distaste for my present, a disgust for my past, and a distrust for my future.” Discouragement is not from God. In fact, I believe that discouragement is the enemy’s number one weapon used against believers today. If the enemy can get us muddled in discouragement we become ineffective, self-focused, and unfruitful people. So, we must fight against the poison of discouragement. We must believe God’s word, stand on it, speak it, and ultimately trust that God will do what He says. Believe and know that God took care of you yesterday, and He will take care of you today and tomorrow. Even in troubling times declare, “This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24