How to Keep from Discouragement

Isaiah 40:27–31 NLT

O Jacob, how can you say the Lord does not see your troubles? O Israel, how can you say God ignores your rights? Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

ISA 40

“How to …” Sermon Outlines 26. How to Keep from Discouragement

I. Remember What God Has Done

Psalm 126:3 NASB95

The Lord has done great things for us; We are glad.

“How to …” Sermon Outlines 26. How to Keep from Discouragement

A. God gave His Son to die for our sins. Jesus gave Himself that we might be cleansed from all unrighteousness.

“How to …” Sermon Outlines 26. How to Keep from Discouragement

B. The skeptic declares that God has done nothing for him, that he has gotten everything through his own power.

“How to …” Sermon Outlines 26. How to Keep from Discouragement

C. The man of faith knows that all good things come from above. Strength, health, and life itself are gifts from the good hand of God

James 1:17 NASB95

Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.

“How to …” Sermon Outlines 26. How to Keep from Discouragement

II. Recognize What God Is Doing

Matthew 21:42 NIV84

Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: “ ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?

“How to …” Sermon Outlines 26. How to Keep from Discouragement

A. God is alive today. He is working in the lives of those who let Him. We should be aware of His power and presence.

“How to …” Sermon Outlines 26. How to Keep from Discouragement

B. Christians should be excited about what God is doing. They should not become complacent and unconcerned about God’s work.

“How to …” Sermon Outlines 26. How to Keep from Discouragement

C. We can keep from discouragement by thinking about what God is doing presently. A positive attitude will help us to see the good and expect the best

Philippians 4:4 NASB95

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!

“How to …” Sermon Outlines 26. How to Keep from Discouragement

III. Rejoice About What God Will Do

Joel 2:21 NLT

Don’t be afraid, O land. Be glad now and rejoice, for the Lord has done great things.

JOEL 2:

“How to …” Sermon Outlines 26. How to Keep from Discouragement

A. We must face the future with an attitude of faith. God has promised to help us in time of need, and to give strength and courage for all our tomorrows.

“How to …” Sermon Outlines 26. How to Keep from Discouragement

B. We are promised eternity with the Lord. He has prepared wonderful things for those who trust Him

Revelation 21:4 ESV

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

“How to …” Sermon Outlines 26. How to Keep from Discouragement

C. We can keep from being discouraged by thinking of what God has promised and will do.

“How to …” Sermon Outlines 26. How to Keep from Discouragement

A positive attitude will help us to see the good and expect the best (Phil. 4:4).

Philippians 4:4 NASB95

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!

“How to …” Sermon Outlines 26. How to Keep from Discouragement

III. Rejoice About What God Will Do

Joel 2:21 NIV84

Be not afraid, O land; be glad and rejoice. Surely the Lord has done great things.

“How to …” Sermon Outlines 26. How to Keep from Discouragement

A. We must face the future with an attitude of faith.

“How to …” Sermon Outlines 26. How to Keep from Discouragement

God has promised to help us in time of need,

“How to …” Sermon Outlines 26. How to Keep from Discouragement

and to give strength and courage for all our tomorrows.

“How to …” Sermon Outlines 26. How to Keep from Discouragement

B. We are promised eternity with the Lord.

“How to …” Sermon Outlines 26. How to Keep from Discouragement

He has prepared wonderful things for those who trust Him (Rev. 21:4).

Revelation 21:4 NIV84

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

“How to …” Sermon Outlines 26. How to Keep from Discouragement

C. We can keep from being discouraged by thinking of what God has promised and will do.