Finding Freedom From Discouragement
Part of Finding Freedom
July 23, 2023

Truths about Discouragement:
• Discouragement is Universal
• Discouragement is Recurring
• Discouragement is Highly Contagious

Types of Discouragement:
• Situational
• Systemic
• Satanic
• Spiritual

Nehemiah 4:6-14, NLT
At last the wall was completed to half its height around the entire city, for the people had worked with enthusiasm. But when Sanballat and Tobiah and the Arabs, Ammonites, and Ashdodites heard that the work was going ahead and that the gaps in the wall of Jerusalem were being repaired, they were furious. They all made plans to come and fight against Jerusalem and throw us into confusion. But we prayed to our God and guarded the city day and night to protect ourselves. Then the people of Judah began to complain, “The workers are getting tired, and there is so much rubble to be moved. We will never be able to build the wall by ourselves.” Meanwhile, our enemies were saying, “Before they know what’s happening, we will swoop down on them and kill them and end their work.” The Jews who lived near the enemy came and told us again and again, “They will come from all directions and attack us!” So I placed armed guards behind the lowest parts of the wall in the exposed areas. I stationed the people to stand guard by families, armed with swords, spears, and bows. Then as I looked over the situation, I called together the nobles and the rest of the people and said to them, “Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!”

Why We Get Discouraged:

• Fatigue

Nehemiah 4:10, NLT
Then the people of Judah began to complain, “The workers are getting tired…

• Frustration

Nehemiah 4:10, NLT
Then the people of Judah began to complain, “The workers are getting tired, and there is so much rubble to be moved.

• Failure

Nehemiah 4:10, NLT
Then the people of Judah began to complain, “The workers are getting tired, and there is so much rubble to be moved. We will never be able to build the wall by ourselves.”

• Fear

Nehemiah 4:11-12, NLT
Meanwhile, our enemies were saying, “Before they know what’s happening, we will swoop down on them and kill them and end their work.” The Jews who lived near the enemy came and told us again and again, “They will come from all directions and attack us!”

Joshua 1:9, NLT
This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged.

How Do We Overcome Discouragement?

• Reorganize the Plan

Nehemiah 4:13, NLT
So I placed armed guards behind the lowest parts of the wall in the exposed areas. I stationed the people to stand guard by families, armed with swords, spears, and bows.

• Resist the Devil

Nehemiah 4:14, NLT
Then as I looked over the situation, I called together the nobles and the rest of the people and said to them, “Don’t be afraid of the enemy!

Nehemiah 6:3, NLT
So I replied by sending this message to them: “I am engaged in a great work, so I can’t come. Why should I stop working to come and meet with you?”

Nehemiah 6:9, NLT
They were just trying to intimidate us, imagining that they could discourage us and stop the work.

• Remember the Lord

Nehemiah 4:14, NLT
“Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious…

2 Chronicles 20:6-7, NIV
“Lord, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you.  Our God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend?

2 Chronicles 20:12, NIV
Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”

Psalm 77:11-12, NLT
But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works.

• Resume the Fight and Work

Nehemiah 4:14-15, NLT
“Don’t be afraid of the enemy! Remember the Lord, who is great and glorious, and fight for your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your homes!” When our enemies heard that we knew of their plans and that God had frustrated them, we all returned to our work on the wall.