Discouragement

The Devil's Most Prized Tool

"Mine eyes are ever toward the Lord…"

Psalm 25:15

There's a story about the devil auctioning off his tools. He had a high price on pride, laziness, arrogance, hate, envy, and jealousy. But there was one tool that had a sign under it: "Not For Sale."

Someone said, "What is that tool? Why isn't it for sale?"

"Well," he said, "I can't afford to get rid of that one. It's my chief tool, discouragement. With this tool, I can pry open a heart and once I get in I can do most anything I want." Do you want me to tell you why you get discouraged? I'll give it to you in a nutshell - you've taken your eyes off God!

Are you discouraged? If not, praise God! Then find someone who is, so that you can give them the encouragement they need in Jesus Christ. Maybe it's your next-door neighbor, maybe it's a co­worker, maybe it's your spouse. 

A bruised reed he will not break,

And a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.

In faithfulness he will bring forth justice; 

he will not falter or be discouraged

 till he establishes justice on earth in his teaching

the islands will put their hope.” 

This is what God the LORD says— the Creator of the heavens,

who stretches them out, who spreads out the earth

with all that springs from it,  who gives breath to its people,

and life to those who walk on it:

Isaiah 42:3-5

But my mouth would encourage you;

comfort from my lips would bring you relief.

Job 16:5

Shared by Corinne Mustafa