Its the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.. So Why Am I So DISCOURAGED... - Audio

Discouraged...

Christmas music, Christmas decorations, food, cake, presents, etc...If this is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, then why are people so...

As we continue our series that asks this question, today we cover the topic of DISCOURAGED. Three things that happen when you are discouraged are:

1. Neutralize Optimism
2. Assassinates Hope
3. Erases Courage

In this lesson, Pastor Ben uses King David in Psalm 142: 1-7 to give us some examples of why people struggle with discouragement. Here are some key points to consider regarding King David's actions during our study:

1. David cried out to God with his life problems, and reminds us to do the same
2. He takes comfort in knowing that God knew his journey and his walk
3. Be truthful with God
4. Find the source of your discouragement
5. By faith, look beyond your circumstances

Pastor Ben also gives us seven factors of what we can do to be ready for the holidays:

1. Get the right perspective
2. During this season, make sure that you reach out
3. Set realistic expectations
4. Try to set aside indifferences
5. Set a budget and stick to it
6. Learn to say "No"
7. Place your faith and hope in Jesus

Stress is a loss of confidence or enthusiasm; dispiritedness that happens within us. It comes when we take our eyes off of Jesus and try to tell God how HE should run the universe. When we connect and develop a relationship with Jesus, that's when we understand who God is in our lives; we see changes and growth that only HE can provide. That's also when we see our relationships with others flourish. Are you connected to Jesus? Do you have a relationship with Him?

So, what are you waiting for?