Dealing with Discouragement During Delays
Devotional Reading: “Why are you cast down, O my soul? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him…” — Psalm 42:11 (NKJV)
Delays can mess with your emotions. One day you’re confident in God’s promise; the next, you’re questioning if you even heard Him right. The truth is, delays are not only a test of faith, they’re also a test of focus.
Discouragement often sneaks in when you shift your eyes from God’s faithfulness to your calendar. David knew this feeling well. He had the anointing but not yet the throne, and somewhere between the promise and fulfillment, he battled deep discouragement. Yet, he learned to preach to himself; “Why are you downcast, O my soul?” Sometimes, the most spiritual thing you can do during delays is to give yourself a pep talk and remind your heart who’s in control.
Discouragement loves to exaggerate. It whispers, “Maybe God forgot you,” or “You’re wasting your time.” But faith answers back, “God doesn’t forget what He starts.” You can’t always stop discouraging thoughts from knocking, but you can stop them from unpacking.
Fill your mind with truth. Sing even when you don’t feel like it. Revisit past testimonies; they are your personal archives of God’s faithfulness.
And here’s something believers often overlook: encouragement doesn’t always fall from heaven… you often have to dig for it. Talk to uplifting people, read Scriptures that feed your spirit, and deliberately speak hope over your situation. God never promised you won’t face discouragement, but He promised His strength would carry you through it.
When delays drag, don’t drag your faith with them. Keep your spirit high, your mouth filled with praise, and your eyes on the One who never fails. The delay might still be there, but your peace doesn’t have to disappear.
Prayer and Confession
Lord, when discouragement whispers lies, remind me of Your unchanging faithfulness. Help me to stay hopeful, joyful, and strong even in long delays. Amen!
Further Reading: Psalm 42:5–11; Romans 15:13; Hebrews 10:35–36
