Discouragement is the biggest enemy of those of us recovering from childhood trauma. Discouragement tells us we can’t overcome the effects of trauma. It leaves us feeling hopeless. It strips us of vision for the future. “Where there is no vision, the people perish,” as Proverbs 29:18 tells us.
How discouragement affects the brain
Discouragement has an effect on the brain. Discouragement is negative thinking. Several studies found that chronic negative thinking increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The reason is that negative thinking taxes the brain. In other words, continuing to think negatively can set us up for serious health problems down the road. Perhaps that is why the Bible says, “For as he thinks within himself, so he is.” (Proverbs 23:7)
What the Bible says about encouragement
Keep yourself encouraged. Know that you not only can overcome childhood trauma, but you will overcome it. Romans 8:37 tells us that “we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Tell yourself every day that you are a conqueror.
Trusting God is the biggest antidote for discouragement. Memorize Proverbs 3:5-6 and let its truths sink deep into your heart:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Keep yourself motivated
Motivation is definitely needed in the recovery process. The site, Uncover Your Joy recommends the following to keep yourself motivated:
Celebrate every accomplishment. Nothing is too small to celebrate. For example, if you have consistently practiced meditation daily for some time, celebrate your accomplishment. Treat yourself to something you enjoy.
Track your progress in a journal. Write down every accomplishment so you have a record, and when you feel discouraged, whip out the journal and read what you wrote.
Write down recovery goals and cross them off as you go. You will feel a sense of accomplishment by doing so. Remember when you were a kid and earned a star sticker in school? This is the same principle.
Use prayer to combat discouragement
Prayer is not only communication with God but is a weapon against the enemy of your soul. Discouragement ultimately comes from the pit of hell. Pray against it. Say, “I bind you discouragement and cast you away from me, in the name of Jesus.” After binding discouragement, loose encouragement upon yourself.
Here are a few other suggestions:
Thank God for everything He has ever done for you. The list is long if you start to think about it. Praise Him and watch discouragement start to flee.
Write down a prayer to God asking Him to help you. There is something powerful about writing down a prayer.
Prayer for encouragement
If you are feeling discouraged right now, pray this prayer:
Oh Lord, I acknowledge to You, the All-Knowing One, that I feel discouraged. I ask for Your help. Show me how to encourage myself and help me combat negative thoughts about myself.
Photo: Image by StockSnap from Pixabay
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