Getting Rid of Discouragement (so you can be a better encourager!)

by Cindy
from Virtuous Daughters, October 2003~Volume 3, Number 7

Girls, have you ever had a really hard day and nothing has gone right?  You got up late, had to rush through breakfast to get started on school work, then you’ve got piano practice and chores to do before helping mom with dinner, and the list goes on and on?  You can say—no shout—with Elijah, “I’ve had enough, Lord!” (1 Kings 19:4)

Well, just follow the Lord’s prescription for discouragement: 
 
1) Get enough rest. (1 Kings 19:5)  Ever notice how a short temper is directly related to a short night’s sleep?  Sometimes short nights cannot be helped, but as much as possible get a good night’s rest.
 
2) Eat healthy foods on a regular basis ( 1 Kings 19:6).  Five finger licks of cookie dough do not make a healthy lunch!  Foods high in protein and low in sugar will give you the strength you need for the strains of the day.
 
3) Spend some quiet time with yourself and the Lord. (1 Kings 19:12)  There’s just no way getting around it.  No matter how busy you are, time alone with yourself and with God will provide the stability to catch and handle whatever life throws your way.