Discouragement bombards us from every direction—from disheartening newscasts to difficult neighbors, from incompetent coworkers to family frustrations.
Secular sources offer strategies like these to combat despair:
- Let go of anger and accept people as they are. (Easier said than done!)
- Stand up straight—good posture helps. (Help, perhaps. Absolute remedy? Seems doubtful.)
- Learn something new; do something fun! (And when the distraction is over, what then?)
An anonymous psalmist offers us this God-inspired example instead:
Can you affirm that our sovereign God is a mighty, majestic, and miracle-working God?
If so, you’ll agree with this assertion:
“As long as our eyes are on God’s majesty
there is a bounce in our step!”
–Max Lucado [1]
Look up majesty in a thesaurus and you’ll find such awe-inspiring synonyms as magnificence, glory, awesomeness, and superbness.
But how can we keep our eyes on the majesty of a God who’s invisible?
We can see its manifestations–they’re all around us.
For example:
We See God’s Majesty in Creation
While reading on the deck one afternoon, a house wren landed at one end of the rail, then dashed across its length before pausing and flying away. Never would I have expected such a small bird to run so fast. You’d think she had wheels, not legs!
And I marveled at this work of God: a small, nondescript bird with the extraordinary gift of great speed.
We See God’s Majesty in Circumstances
H. asked if I’d like to join her for a church-sponsored concert that she knew we’d both enjoy. I purchased my ticket online, only to learn later the transaction hadn’t completed, even though the last page on the website announced a successful purchase. The ticket was never emailed.
Kicking myself for not taking a screen shot, I contacted the credit card company, but there was no record of the payment yet. My husband urged me to attend the concert anyway. Upon arrival we learned there’d been a problem with the website. They graciously invited those of us without tickets to attend free of charge!
We See God’s Majesty in Scripture
Not long ago I let myself slip into a cesspool of self-pity while cleaning the house—a task I deplore. Suddenly God broke through my negativity and redirected my thoughts with this gem of advice: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, rejoice” (Philippians 4:4).
He reminded me why I was cleaning. I could rejoice that our younger son and daughter-in-love were coming to visit. And I prayed, “Help me practice gratitude, Father, and enjoy your company—even as I clean.”
(Please revive my attitudes also, Lord!)
We See God’s Majesty in Jesus
No one is as glorious and majestic as our righteous King! And yet he concerns himself with us.
He is:
Our Priest to atone
Our fountain to cleanse
Our Intercessor to plead
Our Foundation to support
Our Counselor to advise
Our Prophet to teach
Our Sun to enlighten
Our Bread to nourish
Our Father to provide
Our Shepherd to protect
Our Emmanuel to attend
Our Peace to comfort
Our Lord of glory to reign![2]
May such truths as these help to dispel discouragement and put a bounce in our step–today and always!
What truths would you add to this starter-list? Please share in the comments!
[1] Grace for the Moment, 289.
[2] V. 1: Hebrews 2:17; Zechariah 13:1; Romans 8:34; 1 Corinthians 3:11. V. 2: Isaiah 9:6; Deuteronomy 18:15; Malachi 4:2; John 6:35. V. 3: Isaiah 9:6; John 10:11; Matthew 1:22-23; 2 Thessalonians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 2:8.
Art & photo credits: http://www.pexels.com, Yan Krukau; http://www.canva.com; http://www.publicdomainpictures.net, Sheila Brown; http://www.canva.com; http://www.publicdomainpictures.net, Lynn Greyling; http://www.wallpaperflare.com.
From the Inside Out 
Majesty and Housework—an awesome joy and my weekly bane. But yes, may I learn to savor BOTH! Thank you for your candor and faith, Nancy. Again and again, you redirect my heart toward God.
And you do the same for me, my friend! Frequently I find my mind returning to your beloved chorus, I Love You, Lord.” Time and again the restful melody and worshipful lyrics draw me into God’s presence and peace. So even in between your insightful posts, you’re ministering to me! 😊
Such a wonderful post…so inspiring! Yes, we should have a ‘bounce in our step’. Happy Mother’s Day to you!!!
Thank you, Linda, for the Mother’s Day greeting. May I wish the same to you! As for this post, praise God for his inspiration!
Thank you for this. It can be so easy to feel discouraged. Yet on the other hand, we have a choice to put a bounce in our step. I love this reminder.
You’re right, Bridget, it’s our choice. And negativity is a downright foolish choice!
Ever so often I shout (to the me who knows better): “Bless the Lord O my soul!!!”. She listens. 😃😃
What a great idea, RH–to have a battle cry ready when negative emotions attack! That verse introduces one of my favorite psalms, which presents many glorious blessings to meditate on. Thank you for steering me in that direction!
My pleasure…
Amen and amen 🙏🏽 we certainly see God’s majesty in Jesus. Amen 🙏🏽 He who knew no sin, yet became sin for us. Love 💕
You’ve brought to mind an old chorus, “Isn’t He Wonderful,” which led into “Wonderful, Wonderful, Jesus Is to Me,” which led into “Precious Name, O How Sweet,” which led into “Heaven Is a Wonderful Place!” Sometimes I try to sing this lovely string of music and meditation, and can’t remember how it starts! But now that you’ve brought it back, Brenda, I’m writing it down. Another battle cry ready to go when negativity comes to call! Thank you!
These precious hymns of faith, there is nothing like it. When I was younger, I admit I didn’t appreciate these songs, a much as I do now. How thankful I am that our girls show an appreciation I lacked at their ages. Praise the Lord
Praise will always help us to put a bounce in our step any day anytime but that is the last thing most people will do in the middle of a crisis. Practicing gratitude amid hopeless situations is a sign of great faith (Acts 16:25-26).☺
Amen, Chris! So often in a crisis the problem demands front and center attention and we forget the power of praise and gratitude. And thank you for adding that reference to the story of Paul and Silas worshiping God in song while sitting in stocks in a prison cell. They offer a prime example of faith under fire, expressed through praise!
Surrendering our wills to God each and every morning goes a long way in avoiding any discouragement the day might bring. We are acknowledging that He is ultimately in control, we are not, and we can rest in the knowledge that He always has our best interest at heart.
By the way, Nancy, I hate housecleaning, too! 🙂
Blessings!
An excellent way to start the day, expressing surrender to our Heavenly Father, acknowledgment of who he is (all his glorious attributes that he brings to bear in our lives), and trustful rest in his loving ways with us. Thank you, Martha! As for housecleaning, it helps to know we probably have lots of company in our distaste for the job!!😁
An excellent, bounce giving post Nancy! It seems like discouragement lurks around every corner these days just waiting to spring out and hold one down. I loved your concluding invitation. Lately in my Bible reading the word confidence has been jumping out. So I’d like to add to the list “Our Confidence” (Proverbs 3:6, Psalm 27:3, Hebrews 13:6)
Those are strength-inducing scriptures for sure, Beth! And God’s majesty does manifest itself in the trusting confidence of the faithful. So many heroes of the faith have demonstrated perseverance, strength, and courage beyond human ability. And although many of them also faced discouragement, they never let it take them out of the race!
I had a similar “bird affirmation” yesterday Nancy. I stopped the car at our mailbox, stepped out to get the mail, and a colorful bird landed on the passenger side rear view mirror. I got pretty close to him and he just stood there proudly. It reminded me of a time when a deer crossed my path just after I’d paid a visit to my aunt/uncle’s gravesides. Perhaps the souls of the dearly departed are occasionally reflected in God’s animals. On that note, I can’t decide whether animals or the stars and heavens above are God’s more impressive creation, but isn’t it nice I don’t have to choose?
Did you happen to look up which colorful bird sat on your car mirror? You’ve got me curious! / I agree there’s something very special about close-up encounters with God’s creatures. Perhaps it’s a taste of what’s to come. If the wolf and lamb will graze together in the new heavens and the new earth (Isaiah 65:25 ESV), we may very well host small birds on our fingers and stroke the larger animals as they pass!
I’m not a “birder” per se, but I wonder if there’s a phone app where you take the photo and it identifies the bird? My wife has one for plants/trees. Amazing technology.
If the bird was multi-colored, look up painted bunting and see if it looks familiar!
just reading this week about St Ignatius’ prayer of consideration – very much like your categories. Consider nature. Consider the Word of God. Consider your circumstances. Great thoughts as usual, Nancy. Thanks you and have a wonderful weekend.
Thank you, Jean. I’ll have to look up that prayer of St. Ignatius. In the meantime, Happy Mother’s Day, my friend!
Hi Nancy,
There is so much to be thankful every day. We should’t forget that because it can ruin our lives. In Christ,
Gary
Good point, Gary: negativity, ingratitude, resentment, etc. do nothing except ruin our lives. All the more reason to keep Philippians 4:8 at the ready and begin naming all things excellent and praiseworthy. Thank you, Gary!
Thank you, Nancy for a beautiful post. My husband and I have been spending much time naming what we have to be thankful for and the list goes on and on. It really helps when we get discouraged to think on God’s amazing and undeserved blessings. It is a great deterrent to discouragement.
What a delightful practice to do as a couple! You are so right: gratitude is a powerful deterrent to discouragement. In fact, gratitude is an effective strategy for just about everything that ails our spirits! I’ll bet you’re providing each other with more smiles too!
Just this week I was feeling sorry for myself. Quite a few of my friends take awesome vacation trips which I could never in a million years afford to do. I praise the Lord for taking me to task for this unwholesome attitude. He loves me so much that He wants me to be better than that and reminded me to be content with what I have. 2 Corinthians 12:9 tells me that His Grace is sufficient for me. He also led me to this! “YOU CAN TAKE THE WORLD BUT GIVE ME JESUS” (ANN GRAHAM LOTZ).
Fanny Crosby wrote a hymn with the same sentiment, “Give Me Jesus.” Lately I’ve been reminded in several ways to stay more aware of where my thoughts are taking me. Discontentment is NOT the way to joy. (DUH!) It is the one who looks to God for all their needs (including contentment) that will leap for joy in their heart (Psalm 28:7)! He is more than ready to help me BE that one today and every day. Thank you for your sweet honesty and thoughtful comments, dear friend!
Nancy, the title of this post reminds me that God nurtures my next positive step. He fills my mind with the right words and patience to use them. Here’s a truth: Our Savior to reconcile.
Your truth-statement speaks to me on two levels–the reconciliation Christ provides with our Father God (2 Corinthians 5:18), and that of brothers and sisters reconciled with one another as he’s made peace even among those once divided by a wall of hostility (Ephesians 2:11-14). What a great addition to our list, Richard–thank you!
His majesty. Those two words completely recalibrate how we look at life, how we make decisions, how we treat others. Only Jesus. Only Him.
Amen, my friend! “Unto him be all glory, honor, and praise!” (from Jack Hayford’s chorus, “Majesty”). He does indeed transform our lives–Hallelujah!
Max Lucado always has such great words of wisdom!!
I love the reminder list you made, I’ll have to note those down in my journal! Thanks for sharing, Nancy!!
I too have greatly appreciated Max Lucado over the years. So glad you found the list worthwhile, Alicia. Praise God for planting the seed of an idea in my mind and helping me grow it to fruition!
❤️
Self-pity seems to be an ever-present trap. May we always be on guard against it. I love the Hans Christian Anderson quote. I’m stealing that one!!
Steal away, my friend! And you’re so right, Sheila: self-pity is an easy trap to fall into. I MUST stay vigilant!
Nancy, this was such a great post. As I am swirled by the busy-ness leading up to my son’s graduation. I find that I have to keep shifting my perspective to not become overwhelmed by everything. I so appreciate your reminder to dwell on the truths about God. I need to do this more often! Let’s see . . . today’s truth: He meets my heart-needs in His perfect ways.
Love your strategy, Jeanne: choose a promise-truth that fits today’s challenge and dwell on it whenever possible. We could even try making up a tune for it and sing it to ourselves! May God bless you with peace during this super-busy time.
Don’t we serve a mighty and loving God? And your words are packed full of reminders of this precious truth. I love how the Psalmist has said this: “I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.” I am NEVER forsaken by God!
We do indeed serve a mighty and loving God, Patty! And you’re right, it is a great comfort to know he will always be with us, through every dark valley we may have to face. Hallelujah!