We all want every day to be sunny but it is not. It’s natural to experience discouragement, frustration or disappointment when someone lets you down, or plans don’t work out just like we want them or we are not exactly where we think we should be or have what we think we should have or have what others have. These emotions can be a dangerous breeding ground for bitterness and resentment as well as envy.

If we blame God for what happened or did not happen, our devotion to Him may suffer. We might feel that we are wasting time praying or give up on the dreams He gave us. Eventually, we could give up on our faith and belief in Him altogether. Disappointment has the potential to poison our entire lives. Unless you and I respond to it wisely, we can become overwhelmed by hopelessness and depression. No one wants to experience tough times, but when they come our way, we have a choice about how we respond to each situation, setback or obstacle.

Many people believe that they draw closer to God through blessings, but actually we discover God’s true love, mercy and grace when we go through difficult situations and circumstances. So it is through the cloudy days that we go through that we grow through. When think back on situations that appeared hopeless in our lives or we had no idea how we were going to make it and somehow, someway we survived and it is now only memories. Those are the times when we know it was not by our own doing.

You remember when David experienced discouragement, Samuel had anointed him king of Israel, but for years the former shepherd had to live in the wilderness, running from Saul. Through that difficult time, he looked to the Lord for encouragement.

In Psalm 23, David turned to God “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want” (v. 1). David continued in Psalm 23:2 “He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters” (v. 2). When our hearts are in tune with the Lord, we will have peace. Even though we may be in the middle of a trial, we must trust that the Lord will bring us through. Any time God requires us to face trials and tribulations; He always provides the courage to meet the demand.

We must always remember the trials and difficulties in the past that God has brought us through and use it to build our trust in God’s faithfulness. In the moments before the battle with Goliath, David recalled how God had strengthened him in the past to kill both a lion and a bear. He expected nothing less of God in this battle.

So we too must stand firm with the right attitude of unwavering faith. David realized he could not win in his own strength. He knew God had to be with him.
Courage alone is not enough but we must look to God at all times and trust Him. Stay rooted and grounded by studying God’s Word and applying His principles to your life. You can face your challenges head on when you stand on the promises of God’s Word.

We may not know the reason or understand why God has allowed disappointment, frustration, or deep sorrow in our lives. Regardless, what matters most is the focus of our faith. Is it set on God or our ability? Hebrews 11:6 says, “Without faith it is impossible to please [God], for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”

Remember to always keep your focus on the Lord and He will bring you through someway, somehow.

God Bless!