Overcoming Discouragement

 Pastor’s Pen…

I'd like to begin our message today with three important questions:

  • How common is discouragement today, given all the adverse circumstances of 2020?
  • How do you define discouragement?
  • What are the results of discouragement when we find ourselves negatively influenced by it?


Usually when I'm preaching a series, I don't return to a passage of Scripture. But this weekend I'm making an exception, because I believe discouragement is at epidemic proportion in the world of Covid and other 2020 circumstances. I'm also convinced that overcoming discouragement is absolutely crucial for each of us as believers.


As we learned last time together, it's no wonder that David felt discouraged. From the record of three chapters we witnessed a period of 16 months with no prior art connection with God, no psalms or worship songs written, and virtually nothing but discouragement and spiritual defection.


As we delved into God's Word, we will review the circumstances surrounding David's discouragement, the steps he took that led to discouragement, and the solutions he discovered in 1 Samuel 30.

*****

We appreciate those who help sanitize our facilities for services each Saturday morning in preparation for Sunday worship as well as those who make it possible for us to ‘live-stream’ on Facebook at 10:45 each Sunday morning, and to post each Sunday’s message on our website (www.fccwylie.org) on Sunday afternoons. 


If you haven't come out to worship with us recently, we sure love to have you! We continue to hold our Sunday services with all safety protocols and pre-service sanitizing in place. No Sunday school yet, and the nursery is not available.  We will continue following the protocols as outlined by GA-18 guidance.  Face masks, social distancing, no physical contact. We use bulletins printed untouched by human hands, with songs, etc. printed therein, and pre-packaged communion elements. Offering plates are located at the rear, or giving can be done online at www.fccwylie.org.


If you still feel uncomfortable attending, feel free to join our live stream on Facebook, at 10:45 AM, which includes communion and the worship hymns. Or the message is available each Sunday afternoon on our website. (www.fccwylie.org)




“Overcoming Discouragement”                                                                                1 Samuel 30: 1-31                                                                                            


  • Circumstances surrounding David’s discouragement (1-6a)
  • City destroyed by fire 
  • Families taken captive  
  • David blamed!
  • Steps that led to David's discouragement (ch. 27)  
  • Factor # 1: His relentless pursuit by Saul 
  • Factor # 2: His personal neglect of God
    • He sank into self-pity 
    • He ran from his problems 
    • He failed to consult the Lord 
    • He failed to think straight
    • He wound up  leading a double life
  • Solutions for discouragement (30:6ff)
  • He encouraged himself in the Lord
  • He consulted the Lord for direction 
  • He took action as God directed 
  • He recovered all that had been lost
  • He handled conflict well
  • He reached out to God-fearing friends

Lessons for us 

  • Take preventive steps to avoid discouragement  
  • Use the solutions to address discouragement when it comes 


*******


Prayer items: 


Our country following the election


Dennis and Kim and their family in the passing of Dennis’ dad 


Kay Holley continues recovery following knee replacement surgery


Robbie in rehab, needs our prayers


Bruce Moilan recovering from dental surgery


Bruce’s Uncle James; Betty’s friend Billie Henderson


Donna Hancock, recovery from spinal surgery 

Pray for new mother, Lexi, to regain strength

Feel free to contact me with urgent prayer requests, and I will include them in my weekly ‘Pastor’s Pen’ texts

                                                             *******

RADIO THIS WEEKEND: According to data from U.S. Census Bureau, in light of the COVID 19 crisis, over one third of the U.S. population now suffers from depression and related anxiety.  This weekend on Encouragement Live Christian Psychiatrist Dr. Tom Shoaf of the Hope Speaks Clinic joins me “live” to discuss overcoming anxiety and depression.   

Encouragement Live can be heard Saturday at 7:05 PM central time on American Family Radio (www.afr.net) and on theworshipchannel.org.  Re-broadcast Sunday 9 pm on The Worship Channel.

May our Savior’s grace and peace continue to encourage you as you trust in Him during these challenging times.

Don Hawkins, D. Min.                                                                                                                       

Interim Pastor

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