Listen to last week’s sermon on Climbing Out of the Ditch of Discouragement from Joshua 1:9

Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

The Reality of Discouragement

At some point in life, all of us will face discouragement. It’s that heavy, draining feeling that makes everything seem harder than it really is. It’s the voice that whispers:

“Why bother?”
“You’re not good enough.”
“You’re going to fail.”

Maybe you’re doing your best, but no one notices the good you do—only the mistakes. Or perhaps you’ve been praying for something specific, but you haven’t seen any results. Maybe you’ve lost someone dear to you, and you can’t find the strength to move on. Discouragement can feel like a deep ditch with no way out. But I’m here to tell you today: there is a way forward. God has not forgotten you.

Biblical Examples of Discouragement

Even great men and women of God experienced discouragement:

• Elijah felt overwhelmed and alone after his victory on Mount Carmel.
• Hannah was crushed by her inability to have children but found hope by pouring her heart out to God.
• Moses became discouraged by the constant complaints of the Israelites.
• Jeremiah grew weary of delivering messages of judgment.

These examples show that discouragement is not a sign of weakness or failure—it’s a common human experience. But God’s Word assures us that we don’t have to remain in that place.

How to Climb Out of the Ditch of Discouragement

1. Recognize That Discouragement Is a Choice

While feeling discouraged is inevitable, staying in that state is a choice. As Charles Stanley said, “Disappointments are inevitable; discouragement is a choice.”

• Joshua’s Example. God told Joshua to actively choose strength and courage, even in the face of fear and uncertainty.
• The Man at Bethesda (John 5). For 38 years, he remained stuck, waiting for someone to help him. But when Jesus told him to get up and walk, he had to make the choice to act in faith.

Getting out of discouragement requires effort, determination, and faith. It’s not easy, but it’s possible.

2. Anchor Yourself in God’s Presence

Discouragement often stems from focusing on challenges rather than God’s promises. The key to overcoming it is to anchor yourself in His presence.

• God’s Promise to Joshua. “The LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
• Moses’ Prayer (Exodus 33:15). Moses understood the importance of God’s presence when he said, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.”

When life feels overwhelming, remember that God is with you. His presence is your strength and assurance in every storm.

3. Encourage Yourself in the Lord

Sometimes, there won’t be anyone around to lift you up. In those moments, you must learn to encourage yourself in the Lord.

• David’s Example (1 Samuel 30:6). After losing everything and facing betrayal from his own men, David “encouraged himself in the LORD his God.” He shifted his focus from his circumstances to God’s faithfulness.

• Practical Steps:
  • Speak God’s promises over your life.
  • Pray and worship, even when you don’t feel like it.
  • Remind yourself of past victories and God’s faithfulness.

Encouraging yourself in the Lord renews your strength and restores your hope.

Why Do We Get Discouraged?

Discouragement often arises from:

1. Slow Progress: When things don’t happen as quickly as we expect.
2. Opposition: Facing resistance or challenges that seem insurmountable.
3. Unmet Expectations: When life is harder than we imagined.

Joshua faced all these challenges as he led the Israelites into the Promised Land. Yet, God’s command to be strong and courageous reminded him that victory was possible through faith and obedience.

Practical Encouragement for Today

1. Refuse to Stay in the Ditch:
   • Discouragement saps your hope and strength, but you don’t have to stay there.
   • Take small steps of faith, even when it’s hard.

2. Rely on God’s Strength:
   • Isaiah 40:31 reminds us, “Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

3. Be an Encourager:
   • Romans 12:8 highlights the gift of encouragement. If you have this gift, use it to lift others up.

God Is With You

Discouragement is a natural part of life, but it doesn’t have to define you. Like Joshua, you can choose to be strong and courageous, knowing that God is with you wherever you go.When you feel stuck in the ditch of discouragement, remember:

• Discouragement is a choice—choose to get up and walk.
• God’s presence is your anchor—trust Him in every storm.
• Encourage yourself in the Lord—He is your source of strength.

No matter how deep the ditch may seem, God is the ultimate way-maker. He will provide a path forward, just as He did for Joshua and countless others throughout history.

Watch the sermon here: