Discouraged

Discouragement is a temptation that’s common to man. But, have you ever thought about where it comes from? Until recently, I thought discouragement was associated with the circumstances that made me discouraged; something didn’t happen that I wanted to happen or vice-versa. I thought discouragement was something outside of my control. Oswald Chambers, author of My Utmost for His Highest, described discouragement in a way I’ve never considered before – discouragement is “disillusioned self-love.” Ouch, that hurt! Discouragement happens when our self-centered ego is confronted by reality. Our god complex is shattered by the realization that what we want (even if it is good and noble) is not the will of the universe. So rejoice. Discouragement can be our friend, our tutor to help us be less self-absorbed and more reliant on God. May we stand up to discouragement for the ego trip it is.