Overcoming discouragement - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

Therefore strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet.
Hebrews 12:12–13

Overcoming discouragement
“Hands which hang down” speak of discouragement in service. It troubles you that you can’t see any fruit. Whether you are spreading the gospel, instructing believers in the Word or educating your children for the Lord, there can be disappointment in any task. Then look to the Lord who said of himself, “I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and in vain; yet surely my just reward is with the Lord, and my work with my God” (Isaiah 49:4).

“Feeble knees” represent discouragement in prayer. You have pleaded for the salvation of a loved one or for the healing of a broken relationship. You may feel like Elijah, who earnestly prayed for rain but there was nothing to be seen at first. Then, like Elijah, continue in your intercession! It wasn’t until the seventh occasion that the prophet’s servant saw a small cloud with which God began to answer the request and then gave rain (1 Kings 18:42–45).

“Feet” that stumble on an uneven path indicate discouragement in walking: you have grown weary on the way to heaven because you are carrying unnecessary baggage, or you have sinned and stumbled as a result. Then take the encouraging exhortation for yourself: “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus” (Hebrews 12:1–2).

Today’s reading: Daniel 10:15-11:9 · Acts 4:1-12