The prophet Elijah was discouraged; Israel had rebelled against God and the wicked queen, Jezebel, threatened to kill him. Elijah ran a very long way. However, God provided for Elijah, encouraged him and sent him on a new assignment (1 Kings 19:1-18). At some time or another we have all had to deal with discouragement. Discouragement can involve anxiety, fear, worry and depression. It can be triggered by so many issues such as job loss, marriage difficulties, financial challenges, busyness, stress and unfulfilled dreams. Discouragement originates with satan whose aim is to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). How do we deal with discouragement? First of all, we need to remind ourselves that as Christians we are God’s children (1 John 3:1-2), that satan is a defeated foe (Col 2:15) and that Jesus came to give us life in abundance (John 10:10). We need to forget the past with all its issues, look forward to all God has for us (Phil 3:13-14) and cast our cares on Him (1 Peter 5:7). We need to forgive those who have hurt us, receive God’s forgiveness of us (Col 3:13) and walk in love (Col 3:14). In the Bible we read, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth” (Col 3:2; NKJV). We need to focus on Jesus and how he suffered and died for us so we could be saved (Heb 12:2-3). As we focus on Jesus and the word, we will experience God’s perfect peace (Isa 26:3). Let’s pray, ask God to help us, praise Him and thank Him for His peace. As we praise God His presence and peace will envelop us (Psalm 22:3).