WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU FEEL LIKE GIVING UP

Sermon Notes, March 25, 2012

C.M. Pruitt

Pastor C.M.’s message Sunday was titled “What to Do When You Feel Like Giving Up.”  His text was Nehemiah 4:6, 10-14.  Nehemiah was an unlikely hero: he was the cupbearer for the king of Babylon.  It was his job to taste everything the king drank, so if someone was trying to poison him, Nehemiah would be the first to die.  Nehemiah had a vision from God to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem after the exile.  When he told the king about his vision, the king sent him to Jerusalem to do the job.  An incident from the life of Nehemiah illustrates four causes of discouragement and how to overcome them.

Fatigue.   The laborers are tired, fatigued, worn out, and exhausted. “Meanwhile the people in Judah said ‘The strength of the laborers is giving out…’” (v. 10a) When you’re tired physically, it’s easy to become discouraged.  The wall was half-built (v. 6) A half-done job is a monument to discouragement.

Frustration.  “…and there is so much rubble…” (v. 10b) We want closure, but we can’t avoid the rubble of life.  The little things upset us: the washer that goes out, the car that needs repair, the traffic in the morning commute, so much clutter we can’t find what we want, etc.

Failure.  “…We cannot rebuild the wall…” (v. 10c) We are ready to give up.  How do we react when we fail?  Hold a pity party?  Blame someone or something else?  Winners see failure as temporary, and they keep on trying.

Fear.  “Also our enemies said, ‘Before they know it or see us…we will kill them and put an end to their work.’” (v. 12) You’ll find people who don’t want you to succeed. You fear failure, or embarrassment, or blame.  A perfectionist won’t do anything unless it’s perfect so they won’t be accused of failure.  When you are surrounded by negative people, they pull you down.  You feel like running away, or you want to hide.

How do we overcome then?  What are the cures for discouragement?

Rest your body.  Take a break.  “…God wants his loved ones to get their proper rest.” (Psalm 127:2, LB) “You made my body Lord—now give me sense to heed your laws.” Psalm 119:73, LB) Rest is so important God made it one of the Ten Commandments.

Reorganize your life.  “…Therefore I stationed the people…by families…” (v.13)  Get rid of the clutter.  Leave time for God, family, and church. Are you doing the right thing the wrong way?  We need the support of others. 

Remember the Lord.  “…I said to them… ‘Don’t be afraid of them.  Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome.’” (v. 14) Focus on what God’s done for you in the past.  Three things to remember when discouraged:

·       God’s goodness in the past.  Make lists!

·       God’s closeness to you in the present.

·       God’s power for the future.

“I am completely discouraged, I lie in the dust—revive me by your Word.” (Psalm 119:25)

            Resist the discouragement.  “…and fight for your brothers, your sons, daughters, wives and homes!” (v. 14)   James 4:7 urges us to “Resist the devil…” 

A person’s greatness is determined by his resistance to discouragement.  When you’re tired, take a break.  When you’re frustrated, reorganize.  When you’ve failed, focus on what He’s done for you in the past.  When you’re fearful, resist the discouragement.