1. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 “To be of good courage, to be hopeful, confident.”

2. I. Definitions of Words Discouragement - temporary feeling of disappointment Depression - protracted period of despondency

3. II. Bible Characters were Discouraged Saul - 1 Sam.16:14 “troubled” - terrorized Judas - Matt. 27:3-5 - committed suicide Job - Job 7:3-4 - full of tossings to and fro David - Ps. 31:9 - “I am in trouble” Jeremiah - Jer. 20:14, 18 - “sorrow” Moses - Num. 11:15 - “wretchedness”

4. III. Causes of Discouragement 1. Illness Paul - thorn in flesh - 2 Cor.12:7 Timothy - stomach trouble - 1 Tim.5:23 Job 1 & 2 James 5:14

5. III. Causes of Discouragement 2. Death of a loved one David’s son - 2 Sam. 12:18 Mary and Martha’s brother - Jn. 11:14 God is a God of Comfort Ps. 147:3 Isa. 66:13

6. III. Causes of Discouragement 3. Because of Material Losses Job lost 11,500 head of cattle Job 1:21 Loss of material things will make us bitter or better 1 Tim.6:7

7. III. Causes of Discouragement 4. Friends turning on us Judas betrayed Christ Ps. 41:9 “...lifted up his heel against me.” Christ is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother

8. III. Causes of Discouragement 5. Ruined Dreams and Hopes Lost job or business Great Dream has faded You can turn disappointments into His appointments

9. IV. How To Overcome Discouragement 1. Help some-one else Elijah - 1 Kings 19:4-15 & 21

10. IV. How To Overcome Discouragement 2. Beneath the Burdens are Blessings Flooding of Mississippi Rom. 8:28 & 31 Blessings attached to our burdens

11. IV. How To Overcome Discouragement 3. Use Your Burdens as Bridges Ants lay stray across a crack Phil. 1:12 2 Cor. 4:17-18 Use burdens as opportunities

12. IV. How To Overcome Discouragement 4. Come away and Rest Awhile Mark 6:31 Physical & Emotional exhaustion God rests a tired man and inspires him to work

13. IV. How To Overcome Discouragement 5. You are needed and Valuable Matt. 9:20-22 Mk. 11:3 “The Lord hath need of thee.” Every Member is Important 1 Cor. 12:13-27

14. IV. How To Overcome Discouragement 6. Be Perpetually Optimistic Shoe s alesmen to Africa Phil. 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Look for opportunities instead of problems.

15. IV. How To Overcome Discouragement 7. We are never Alone 1 Pet. 3:12-14 “For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous,..” 2 Tim.4:17 “...the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me:...”

16. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

17. Trying times are no time to quit trying. The love of God will not let us down, will not let us go, nor will it let us off. “He thanked God and took courage.” Acts 28:15b

18. Prov. 15:13 “A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken” Prov. 15:15 “All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast.” Prov. 17:22 “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”

19. Sermon by Arthur Pigman Evans Church of Christ 515 Gibbs Road Evans, Ga. 30809 706-855-1249arthurpigman@cybrtyme.com Sunday Morning April 2, 06