Oct 4, 2020 | Receive God's Love
Everyone faces disappointment from time to time. We can feel disappointed about other people, ourselves, circumstances, our work, our families, or the world around us. The trick is to avoid letting that disappointment escalate to discouragement. We might wonder what to say to ourselves to overcome disappointment, or what to say to someone else who is discouraged. This short post offers several uplifting quotes about discouragement to help inspire a positive outlook and focus on God.
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Quotes About Discouragement and Hope
“If you are going through a time of discouragement, there is a time or great personal growth ahead.”
Thomas Edison
“I am not discouraged, because every wrong attempt discarded is another step forward.”
“I have my moments of deep discouragement. I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes, and say, ‘O God, forgive me,’ or ‘Help me.'”
Beth Moore
“I think that what women need to hear is that there is life after failure.”
Encouraging Words for the Disappointed
Charles Stanley
“Nobody else can make us discouraged; it is a choice that we alone make when facing disappointments.”
Warren Wiersbe
“The remedy for discouragement is the Word of God. When you feed your heart and mind with its truth, you regain your perspective and find renewed strength.”
Dale Carnegie
“Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success.”
Disappointment Quotes from the Bible
There is no better hope for discouragement than the Word of God, which can sustain our hearts in every disappointment of life. Some of my favorite Bible Verses that help me through seasons of disappointment:
Proverbs 16:9 (CSB)
In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NASB)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight.
Habakkuk 2:2-3 (ESV)
And the Lord answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay. (ESV)
Romans 8:28 (NIV)
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines discourage as dishearten; to deprive of courage or confidence; to dissuade from doing something. But Jesus is our Comforter and the lifter of our heads. In Christ we have unimaginable hope, even through difficult situations and circumstances. When we place our focus on Him, we can walk through disappointment with peace and surety. He stands with us no matter what we face. God is for us. He is our ally and no highs or lows or any created thing can separate us from His love (see Romans 8:39). What a tremendous help to overcome discouragement! 
Oct 3, 2020 | Receive God's Love
It’s safe to say we’ve all faced a large measure of discouragement over the past year. The definition of discouragement is a loss of confidence or enthusiasm (New Oxford American Dictionary). Many people have lost confidence in things that once provided security, such as employers, experts, leaders, and the like. As Christians, we’re taught through God’s Word to put our confidence in God alone. Accordingly, there are many Bible verses about discouragement that provide hope, even when life situations become challenging.
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What Can Cause Discouragement?
Before we look at the Scriptures, it’s helpful to understand some of what may cause feelings of discouragement. There are several factors involved, some of which are weariness, fear, and setbacks.
Weariness that leads to dismay
Weariness is one of the most prominent causes of discouragement. We can experience weariness physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. In short, when we encounter difficult circumstances it becomes exhausting. We don’t sleep well, so we’re physically tired. We concentrate too hard, weighing multiple options about our situation and become mentally fatigued. Emotions become hard to navigate and the spiritual burden becomes hard to bear. Weariness fuels discouragement and causes us to lose confidence in ourselves, others, and our circumstance.
Fear that steals peace
When facing uncertainty, fear becomes a readily available tool of the enemy. He uses it against us as fiery darts, stealing our peace and causing us to feel disheartened and hopeless. In seasons where we experience fear, it feels so very hard to raise our shield of faith and combat it. Fear holds us in bondage and contributes to further discouragement.
Setbacks that cause disappointment
Another factor that adds to discouragement is setbacks. We strive and work to achieve certain outcomes, for example: working for years to accumulate retirement income; putting in countless hours to build a successful side hustle; pouring prayer and effort into parenting children who follow God. When our efforts are disrupted or when we encounter setbacks beyond our control, we often feel discouraged.
During the past many months of global pandemic, we’ve experienced all three of the primary factors of discouragement. In some manner, our world-wide population has encountered weariness, fear, and setbacks that have brought disappointment and discouragement.
How to Handle Discouragement
Thankfully, God’s Word gives us careful instruction and encouragement on how to handle discouragement. The Scriptures show us how to overcome disappointment and deal with discouragement to walk in victory.
There are many examples of discouragement in the Bible, along with stories of hope and healing for those afflicted. Staying focused on God’s Word brings peace we can never muster in our own strength. It’s helpful to place note cards with Bible verses in a place where you’ll see them often. They will remind you of God’s truth in your situation. For example, if you’re feeling hopeless, write out Romans 15:13 on a card and place it where you’ll see it and read it often. Allow its truth to penetrate your heart and mind.
To do find the most help with discouragement will require:
- naming each “category” of discouragement that you are experiencing by asking the Lord to help you identify those areas
- finding a Bible passage that dispels the lies of the enemy and points to God’s truth. Again, ask the Lord to help you identify the verses then find them. (Google is also a good tool. Type in “what does the Bible say about discouragement”)
- taking the time to write out the verses
- memorizing the verses so that when you’re not near your notecards you can still resist the enemy with the power of God’s truth
I’ve recently compiled a collection of Bible verses to help uplift anyone facing a difficult season of discouragement. Here they are:
15 Bible Verses About Discouragement
Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand.
Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Lamentations 3:22-24 Because of the LORD’s faithful love we do not perish, for his mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness! I say, “The LORD is my portion, therefore I will put my hope in him.”
Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold on to the confession of our hope without wavering since he who promised is faithful.
Psalm 33:22 May your faithful love rest on us, LORD, for we put our hope in you.
Romans 8:31 What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us?
2 Chronicles 20:15 This is what the Lord says, “Do not be afraid or discouraged . . . for the battle is not yours, but God’s.”
To bring us to 15 Bible verses about discouragement, I’ve collected eight additional verses and designed them into printable notecards that you can carry with you or post in a prominent location.
*Please note: by clicking download, you will receive email notifications, updates and product announcements from Cathy McIntosh and Strengthened by the Word Ministries. You are free to unsubscribe from the notifications at any time.
The Power of Worship to Find Encouragement
Worship is another powerful weapon to help overcome discouragement. Fill your home, your car, your mind, and your workplace (to the extent possible) with worship music. Praise Him continually. The Lord inhabits the praise of His people and where His light is, darkness flees. Whether we’re singing along with the music or listening to it in the background, it will begin to feel like a companion that helps keep thoughts positive and focused on God.
** By the way, all of the verses listed above are from the HCSB. 
Please know that the Lord never leaves nor forsakes His children. Whatever you face today, you do not face it alone. He is with you. I encourage you to keep your mind fixed on Him. That is the surest way to embrace the gift of joy He has waiting for you.
Also, if you’re struggling with discouragement today, will you reach out and let me know so I can lift you in prayer? It’s my honor to stand with you during this difficult season.
Blessings,
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Sep 30, 2020 | Receive God's Love
Just a cursory glance at headlines and you’ll know—police need our prayers. They need everyday citizens like you and me to pray for law enforcement—immediately and fervently.
With over 800,000 sworn officers in the US (more than the estimated 2019 population of Denver, Colorado), it’s inevitable that some become jaded. They’re encased in negative environments, confronting those who are facing their worst days in the most troubling circumstances. Some officers become angry while some feel the pull of power. There are some who make unexpected, detrimental decisions in the blink of an eye. A few “bad apples” have climbed the ranks of leadership. They’ve then developed subordinates with misguided and horribly unfortunate demeanors. That’s just wrong.
It’s easy to see that not all cops are good guys. But I’d go so far as to say that the vast majority are. They are kind-hearted men and women who work hard to serve their communities well. Officers would prefer that judgment from the media, politicians, and celebrities address individual issues rather than police lives as a whole. Too often they feel attacked at the core of who they are and who they’ve worked hard to be.
What Causes Stress for Police Officers?
Most law enforcement officers embraced their call to serve to help others and protect their communities. The majority have stayed true to that calling, despite negative press, half-truths reported in the media, personal sacrifice, and the ghastly—unimaginable to most of us—situations they address. Such experiences would tear at the hearts of even the strongest among us, yet masses of men and women in blue uphold strong morals and continue to serve with integrity amidst great personal sacrifice.
The Toll Law Enforcement Takes on Families
The job of law enforcement is hard on marriages. When I meet the wives of young officers, the deeply planted seed of fear that I see in their eyes touches my heart. I feel it.
Young wives often believe their fear is invisible, as if no one can see that they’re afraid. But women who have lived in the same place of uncertainty recognize it in an instant.
One thing I’ve learned through over 30 years as a law enforcement wife is, we cannot fight a spiritual battle in the flesh.
A Message to Police Wives
We must remember that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of darkness and spiritual forces of evil (Ephesians 6:12). We do not fight the government, or the criminals, or those who have developed a hatred for cops, or even our husbands. Our battle is against the enemy of our souls who desires to steal, kill, and destroy. He must not win. So we must pray daily.
As wives of our officers, we have no choice but to stand firm in our roles and fight for our men. They need us, our prayer coverage, and our steadfast courage in the fight. Our ONLY offensive weapon in spiritual battles is the Word of God and we are to pray at all times in the Spirit. In a supernatural sense, praying for our husbands brings a level of peace and trust in the Lord that we may not expect.
If I had one piece of advice to give the wife of a law enforcement officer, it would be this: Offer a prayer for your police officer husband and continue to pray at all times.
Why Good Police Officers Are Quitting
Law enforcement places a huge strain on families. It takes a nasty toll on physical health. Without intentional effort, the job can make a horrible impact on mental well-being. Suicide rates among officers have seen a dramatic increase. The hatred of one person could literally end the life of a police officer in a split second. Yet the officers run into dangerous situations so that you and I are protected from harm. They serve us well, even when they don’t know who holds a gun and if they’ll be the target of the next fired round.
After years of helping victims find hope and healing, many officers are now reflecting on why they signed up for this job. They’re questioning whether they have the strength to continue. Not because of the horror they see on the streets, but because of the current abhorrence and disrespect they receive from those they so faithfully serve. Good officers are quitting every day because they’re vilified even as they protect the public.
Society, which is now encouraged to reject authority and to blatantly disregard law enforcement, is empowering people who are intent on committing crimes. Politicians know this. Sadly, the politicians who stand in public nodding in agreement with “defund the police” movements are the very ones asking local police chiefs to provide extra patrol coverage for their personal homes. It’s a double standard that’s hard to reconcile. Yet we shouldn’t be surprised.
Lawlessness in the “Last Days”
God’s Word told us this was coming. Look at how the last days are described in Matthew 24:12 in a variety of Bible translations:
Because of an increase in wickedness, the love of most will grow cold (NIV)
Sin will be rampant everywhere… (NLT)
Lawlessness will be increased… (ESV)
Iniquity shall abound… (KJV)
Lawlessness will multiply… (HCSB)
Who stands on the front lines of lawlessness? Our law enforcement officers. Men and women who sacrifice themselves and family to keep their communities safe. When the world rises up to say, “We need no law!” we need honorable men and women in blue to stand firm and say, “We will uphold law and order!”
For most officers, law enforcement is not merely a career or a profession. It’s a high calling that flows into their families as well. One of the best ways to say thank you to a police officer—and the families who sacrifice so much—is to pray for them.
Law Enforcement Support Through Prayer
It’s imperative that we lift up our country’s law enforcement officers and all of our leaders from coast to coast. Most citizens who don’t know what the life of an officer is like, and may not know the best way to pray, so I have compiled 21 prayer prompts for police.
21 Ways to Pray for Law Enforcement
The list of prayers that follows was developed for anyone with a heart to pray for our law enforcement officers, whether the wife of an officer or not. For some, this may be your first attempt at prayer. For others who may be seasoned prayer warriors, this will provide some on-target ammunition for real needs that real officers face.
For the sake of simplicity, I’ve kept the prayers male-specific, but in no way wish to exclude our courageous female officers.
Insert an officer’s name in the blanks if you know it and use these words, often borrowed from the Bible verses referenced in the HCSB translation.
How to Pray for Police
Lord, please go before our officers and be their rear guard. With you before and behind them, they will be surrounded in your great protection (Isaiah 52:12).
You, Lord, are a shield around _______. Be his protection, his glory, and the one who lifts his head (Psalm 3:3).
May _______ be filled with wisdom and all spiritual discernment to walk in a manner pleasing to You, bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God (Colossians 1:9). When he faces difficult split-second decisions, give him Your wisdom.
Rescue our officers, Lord, from evil men and women. Keep them safe from those who plan evil in their hearts (Psalm 140:1-2).
Help ______ keep his mind steadfast on You and keep him in perfect peace. (Isaiah 26:3)
Father, our officers see far more devastation and evil than most of us can imagine. Guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus with your peace that surpasses understanding. Protect them from replaying graphic scenes in their minds.
May ______ find favor and high regard in the sight of God and man. Shift thoughts of anyone who wishes to find undeserved fault in ______. Help his good work shine brightly for all to see (Proverbs 3:4).
Keep _______ blameless and pure in your sight – faultless in a crooked and depraved generation. May _____ shine among men like stars in the universe (Philippians 2:15).
Help _____ live above reproach, faithful to his wife and family, temperate, self-controlled and respectable. Strengthen his heart that he will not fall into temptation.
Prayers for Police Officers and Deputies
May _____ get good rest to stay healthy and alert. When he lies down, he will not be afraid and his sleep will be sweet (Proverbs 3:24).
Lord, please help _____, a peacemaker who sows in peace, reap a harvest of righteousness. Cause his good deeds to be returned to him a hundredfold (James 3:18).
May _____ devote himself to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving (Colossians 4:2).
Help ______ be vigilant at all times, alert and aware of his surroundings. May he be on the alert, standing firm in the faith, and strong (1 Corinthians 16:13).
Protect ______’s friendships, both inside and outside of law enforcement, so that he is not prone to isolation. Two are better than one…if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).
More Scriptures for Law Enforcement
May _____ never lose hope, remembering that You, Lord, have plans for him – plans for welfare and not for evil, to give him hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).
Oh, God of hope, fill _____ with all joy and peace as he trusts in You so that he will be filled with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13).
Make _____’s love for our community increase and overflow. Protect him, Lord, from adopting an “us vs. them” way of thinking (1 Thessalonians 3:12).
Guard marriages of our officers, helping them remember that their spouse is their friend and supporter, not an enemy with whom to do battle. They are no longer two but one flesh. What God has joined together, let no man separate (Matthew 19:6).
Help him love his wife as himself and equip his wife to respect him as her husband (Ephesians 5:33).
Lord, turn the hearts of the fathers (and mothers) toward their children, and the hearts of the children toward their fathers (and mothers). Protect the family unit. Restore broken relationships and continue to strengthen those that are healthy (Malachi 2:6).
Keep _____ from the temptation of repaying evil for evil and strengthen him to do what is honorable in the sight of all. When possible, as far as it depends on _____, may he live in peace with everyone. May ______ not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:17-21).
A Powerful Bible Verse to Pray for Police
May _____ walk daily in the full armor of God.
“Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by His vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the tactics of the Devil. For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.
This is why you must take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. In every situation take the shield of faith, and with it, you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word. Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert in this with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints” (Ephesians 6:10-18).
As the wife of a long-time officer, I THANK YOU, for joining the battle by making the decision to pray for law enforcement. Your prayers matter and encourage our officers every day.
For more prayer support, I encourage you to join my FREE 21-day Prayer Challenge. If you enjoyed this post on prayer, you’ll love the growing closer to God through the prayer challenge! I hope to see you there.
Blessings,
our Savior saying, you’re not really the son of God.
It’s imperative to recognize that you and I have all the same weapons that Jesus had to fight the spiritual battle.
It’s time to let the Word of God penetrate our minds, hearts, and spirits so that we can use it as the powerful and effective weapon that it’s intended to be. Here are a few challenges to help us get started:
Open your Bible.
Use your Tools.
Note: In the example I’m about to share, I use this 
Here’s a picture of how I mapped out the acronym inside the prayer journal. So you don’t have to use a telescope, or zoom way in to see the words, OR try to read my handwriting, I offer it as an easier-to-read document 
