1st Samuel 27:1. “And David said in his heart, ‘I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saul: there is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines; and Saul shall despair of me, to seek me any more in the coast of Israel: so will I escape out of his hand.’”
DANGERS OF DISCOURAGMENT. To take counsel only with self, can lead me away from God. It not only affects our families but also those who believe our word. We may justify a move from fear, or sometimes expediency – And the place we choose to go is not where God wants us to be.
One thing leads to another when in discouragement choices are made – Often the outcome of change is much worse than we previously had. The new associations we make may lead us to act in the flesh – And what we once knew was wrong, now seems to us the best.
Perhaps you will fall into a trap and you will get used to telling a lie. Discouragement will pity oneself and wrong actions you justify. The benefit you gained from leaving turns out to be a false hope – What you had, you have lost, and now you’re at the end of the rope.
When discouragement seems to overcome you, stop quietly for a day or two – And seriously consider before God, the outcome and its affect on you. Think also about how it will affect others, those who look for you to lead – Then think mostly how it affects God, if His guidance you neglect to heed.
Discouragement is really sin; it happens when our eyes are off God. Actions taken at that time often lead people to go down the wrong road. There may be serious problems for awhile from which you want to escape – But look further down the road of choice to see the end of the action you take.
God gives needed grace in the trials if we turn to Him and trust Him alone. He promises not to forsake you and be with you till the testing is done. There is always a way to escape discouragement if we give God the right of control. And even if the difficulties remain, He promises rest to your soul.
“I have to admit Father, there are times when I have allowed discouragement to affect sound judgment. I ask Thee for help even now, as I am preparing for a series on a subject for which I have been criticized for speaking about. Please give me the wisdom to speak scripturally, properly and not be concerned about opinions. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”