Overcoming Doubt and Discouragement Through Faith

You can overcome doubt and discouragement by looking away from your trials and steadfastly focusing on the love and promises of Jesus Christ4MR 160.2+1. This victory is gained through total consecration, persistent prayer, and a deliberate choice to speak words of faith and hope instead of gloom11MR 358.2+2.

Trust in God's Character

• Acknowledge God's Plan: Recognize that even in periods of helplessness or affliction, the Lord has a plan for your good and for the benefit of othersCCh 22.6+1.

• Resist Satan’s Misrepresentations: The enemy seeks to misrepresent God's character to overwhelm you, but a correct knowledge of God's love serves as a barricade against these suggestionsST April 11, 1892, par. 3+1.

• Believe in the Living Saviour: Do not act as though Jesus were still in the tomb; He is a risen, living Saviour who is the Head of the church and the Good Shepherd John 10:4-5SpTA01b 29.1+1.

• Rely on His Strength: When you feel your own nothingness, you are actually in a position to become invincible by relying wholly on God’s power Colossians 1:11ChS 240.1+1.

The Power of Your Words

• Make a Strict Rule: Commit to never uttering a single word of doubt or discouragement, as these words act like seeds that germinate into a harvest of unbelief in yourself and others2MCP 575.1+2.

• Talk Faith and Courage: Educate your heart and lips to speak the praises of God, focusing on the light of the cross rather than the shadows of your experience 1 Peter 2:912MR 39.1+1.

• Brighten the Lives of Others: Even when your own heart is heavy, using words of holy cheer to strengthen others will bring a blessing back to your own soul2MCP 575.1+1.

Practical Actions for Victory

• Bring Everything to God in Prayer: Do not carry your trials to fellow mortals; instead, cast every burden upon Jesus, who is your Advocate in the heavenly sanctuary Matthew 7:7-82MCP 494.1+2.

• Help and Bless Others: Doubts and despondency often disappear when you engage in earnest work to help those in need2MCP 679.1+1.

• Pluck the "Flowers" of Promise: Instead of looking at the thorns and thistles of your difficulties, go into the garden of God's Word and claim the fragrant promises found there4MR 160.2+2.

• Wrestle for Victory: Do not encourage grief or darkness; rather, wrestle with your discouragements in the name of Jesus until you gain the victory11MR 358.2+1.

The Role of Faith

• Stay Your Mind on God: If your mind is stayed on Him, you will have a steadfast anchor for your soul and will not fluctuate between ecstasy and despondency2MCP 774.1+2.

• Resist Emotional Dependence: Do not depend on your feelings or a high degree of excitement, but serve God from principle even when everything looks darkGW92 143.3.

• Claim the Blood of Jesus: When Satan suggests you are too great a sinner, point to the merits of the blood of Christ which cleanses from all sin 1 John 1:75T 316.2+1.

• Persevere Through Trials: Character is developed by persevering under discouraging circumstances rather than changing from one thing to another when difficulties arise Romans 5:1-5CG 128.2+1.