Discouragement is something I battle. It often creeps up on me with little nagging thoughts such as, “You will never recover from sexual abuse.” It is usually in the morning when I experience discouragement the most.
The word discourage means, “to deprive of courage or confidence.” When I think I will not recover, I lose confidence and courage. It causes a chain reaction. I begin worrying which causes anxiety. And the anxiety I experience is debilitating. However, I do not let myself stay stuck in the mud of discouragement. I remind myself that I am healing. I grab my journal and begin writing down a few truths, such as:
God began a healing work in me and He will continue it.
God will not leave me where I am at but will continue moving in me.
I am deeply and completely loved by God.
After I write down a few truths, I start my morning mental health routine of tapping (emotional freedom technique), meditation, prayer, and Bible study. If you want to know more about each part of my routine and how it can help with trauma recovery, check out my previous articles for this newsletter.
There is something about doing the same routine, a routine that I know will help rewire my brain while lifting my spirit, each morning that lifts me out of discouragement. It reminds me that with the hard work of recovery, I will experience progress. I will not stay stuck with crippling anxiety and debilitating depression. I choose at the start of the day to help myself and that choice echoes throughout the day.
Encouraging ourselves
The opposite of discouragement is encouragement. The word encourage means, “to inspire with courage, spirit, or hope.” It is something we choose by ignoring discouraging thoughts. Encouragement is a way of lifting ourselves each day. Maybe you need some encouragement today. Here is Psalm 46, one of my favorite Bible passages. As you read it, personalize it. For example, think or say, “God is MY refuge and strength.” Let each phrase sink deep within your spirit.
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolations on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
As I've told you before I meditate twice a day I believe it's saved my life