Buster 7: Count your blessings, not your burdens.
Nehemiah often reminded the people of God’s faithfulness to them. In doing so, he was helping them count their blessings. Neuroscientists are learning that when we count our blessings and shift our attention from the negative, we actually decrease the chemicals in our brain that make us feel blue.
By counting your blessings, you are intentionally shifting your attention off the source of and the emotion of discouragement.
The Psalmist counsels us with these words:
Psa. 77:11 I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
Buster 8: Don’t face your discouragement all alone.
Nehemiah would keep his trumpeter at his side, and if he saw the enemy marshaling forces in the distance, he’d sound the alarm to bring everybody together. The beauty of the body of Christ remind us that we don’t have to bear our burdens alone.
When you face discouragement, take the initiative to be a friend, get into a safe small group or see a counselor. Don’t bear it alone.
Every ministry leader will face discouragement. Nehemiah’s response gives us hope in our discouragement.
What has helped you battle discouragement?
