Should The Christian Be Discouraged

I would like to recommend a book entitled A Lifting Up of the Downcast by William Bridge. It was first published in 1649 and later reprinted by Banner of Truth. Prior to prayer on Wednesday nights, our pastor is discussing this book with the congregation.  Last night, the discussion focused on the difference between humility and discouragement in the aftermath of sin.

I must confess, I had never drawn the distinction between the two, but last night gave me moment to pause and ask myself, in sin, do I find myself humbled or discouraged?

 "When a man is humbled, truly humbled, the object of his grief or sorrow or trouble is sin itself, as a dishonor done unto God.  The object of discouragement is a man's own condition, or sin producing that condition, the ultimate object of discouragement being a man's own condition" (81).

When someone is discouraged they focus on their woes and their wrongs.  One might say, my sin has caused me to bear such a great burden and it causes me to do this or feel that.  A person becomes discontent and downcast because they feel much discontentment due the sin they committed. It is a self affliction.

However, when someone is humbled, they focus on the transgression which he or she has done against the Lord Jesus Christ.  Remember in the courtyard when Peter denied Jesus the third time and the rooster crowed? Jesus looked at Peter, and the Scripture said he wept bitterly.  Why did he weep? Because he had transgressed against his Lord.

This means, humbleness is a right response to sin and a restoration in relationship between the man or woman and his or her Savior in moments of grievous sin.But discouragement never results in a healing relationship because discouragement is sin itself in that it is focused upon me and that is selfish.

A Christian, the book espouses, should never be discouraged. Just consider what Christ had done and is still doing for His Church today! He died; He rose; He prays; He delivers; He sent His Spirit; He watches over; He preserves; and so much more.  Be humbled for sure. If you find yourself discouraged, seek His forgiveness and know that there is hope in Christ. Praise God!