Defeating Discouragement

so life throws things our way and, honestly people, we just don't have any control over it.  i live my life as if i'm in control (a completely ungodly and un-biblical way of thinking, mind you), but in reality the creator of the universe is the only REAL controller.  

tonight i find myself discouraged and longing to defeat that beast before it swallows me whole.  

where do i turn?  

Nehemiah... anyone that knows me well, knows that i am IN LOVE with that book of the bible.  many years ago the Lord opened my eyes to a myriad of truths buried in that amazing book and there hasn't been a book of the bible to win my heart like that since.  HA!

Chapter four addresses beautifully the task of slaying discouragement.  i'll do a lackluster job of paraphrasing it, but i encourage you to check it out your self.  

here are the mandy notes: 

many of the Jews have been carried off to Babylon.  a few survivors are still hanging out in Jerusalem, but the walls are demolished and therefore the city is venerable and unsafe. Nehemiah's heart goes out to his people and he hops the first donkey to Jerusalem to check it out for himself.  as with many jobs, there are enemies stirring up trouble for Nehemiah and the Jews.  they are ridiculing the people, their faith, and their ability.

but listen to their response:

v. 6, 9 "So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart....we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat."

and then when their strength faltered (v 10) Nehemiah steps in and leads...

he stationed people at the exposed places with weapons, surrounded by their family (those they cared about the most) and encouraged them, 

"Don't be afraid of them.  Remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons, and your daughters, your wives and your homes."

the scripture goes onto say that from that day on the builders wore their sword by their side as they worked.  so press on, friend.  wear the sword of the spirit (eph 6) and keeping building! do not lose heart, do not fear... REMEMBER THE LORD!