“Then the people of the land began discouraging the people of Judah and making them afraid to build.”
Ezra 4:4 TLV
Discouragement is something I’m sure we’ve all experienced. Sometimes it comes from an off handed comment, and other times it’s intentional – but no matter how it comes, discouragement isn’t something easily ignored or overcome. While it may get easier with time, it is rampant in the world – especially a world full of reels and posts of only the good stuff.
I’ve been thinking a lot about how to encourage someone who is at drift in a sea of discouragement. The feeling of hopelessness and each passing day they seem to drift further from shore.
As I was reading Ezra today, I was struck by the impact of discouragement on the people of Judah and how they overcame it. First, because they were discouraged, the building stopped. The Hebrew is fascinating and shows a much deeper meaning. The people of the land “rāp̄â yāḏ” – disheartened until their wings dropped.
The words and the actions of the people of the land caused the builders to lose heart and give up. Can you see it? Have you experienced it? I have. More than once. Being disheartened or discouraged leaves one physically weak. So how do we overcome?
The people of Judah stopped building and rested. Then, they appealed to the King to LOOK at the Word of G-d. Only then did the King defend them and pour out favor.
The truth of G-d is the only antidote to discouragement. When we compare ourselves to His Word and not the world, our hearts are strengthened and our capacity to hold onto courage is increased.
To those discouraged today, rest in His truth that He is for you, not against you. He is fighting for you and His love knows no bounds. He’s with you on the sea and will lead you safely ashore.
Father – thank You for Your Word and for Your encouragement today. To those I love with heavy hearts, send comfort to them. Only You can restore hope and bring healing to the places that seem desolate. You are good and You keep doing good. Your leadership in my life is perfect and You can be trusted. Amen.
Daily Reading: Ezra 4-6, Psalms 137
September 19, 2022