KING’S SON AND KING’S DAUGHTERS TOPIC: Overcoming Discouragement and Doubt. TEXTS: Psalm 42:5-11, Hebrews 11:1 MEMORY VERSE - Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” CENTRAL TRUTH: The virtuous mother practices are aimed at making her husband's life better, teaching her children, and serving God. LESSON OUTLINE 1. Recognizing and addressing discouragement and doubt. 2. Encouragement to trust God's goodness and faithfulness. 3. Strategies for overcoming negative thoughts and emotions. LESSON COMMENTARY INTRODUCTION Asa single Christian, it can be easy to feel discouraged and doubts, especially when it seems like everyone around you is getting married and starting families. However, it's important to remember that God has a plan for your life, He is ever faithful, and your singleness is not a curse or a punishment. When doubts sets in your faith is challenged When those thoughts and feelings come, here ate five ways to refocus and overcome discouragement in your single season. EXPOSITION 1. Recognizing and addressing discouragement and doubt. can be overcome through focused prayer, seeking spiritual guidance, and focusing on God's character and promises. Shifting the focus from self and worldly expectations to Christ and His glory can help overcome these struggles. a. Recognizing Discouragement and Doubt by: i. Identifying and accepting the feelings: Acknowledge the emotions of discouragement and doubt, such as sadness, anxiety, or a loss of faith. Philippians 4:6-7, Jeremiah 7:9. ii, Understand the root: - Discouragement and doubt can stem from various sources, including feelings of loneliness, social pressures, or questioning God's plans iii, Recognize external influences: - Be aware that the devil may also try to attack with discouragement and doubt. 1 Peter 5:8-9 b. Addressing Discouragement and Doubt: i, Pray consistently: - Prayer can help to combat the effects of discouragement and doubt by seeking God's strength, comfort, and guidance. Ephesians 6:18, 1 Thessalonians 5:17ii, Focus on God's Word: - Reading and meditating on Scripture can strengthen faith and provide a sense of God's love and faithfulness. It illuminates your life and you won't stumble. Psalm 119:105. ili, Seek Spiritual Guidance: - Connect with a trusted mentor, pastor, or counsellor who can provide encouragement and support. Psalm 32:8, Proverbs 3:5-6 iv. Engage in Spiritual Practices: Participate in worship, attend church services, or engage in acts of service to foster a deeper relationship with God. Hebrews 10:25 Practice Gratitude: Focus on the blessings in your life and the good things God has done. 1 Thessalonians 8 Jon't hesitate to reach out to trusted friends, family, or support groups for understanding and encouragement. vii. Remember God's Character and Promises:- Reflect on God's love, His promises, and His faithfulness in the past. Psalm 105:8, Challenge Negative Thoughts: faith-based affirmations. 1 Peter 5:7 ix. Focus on God's Ti ‘rust that God has a plan for your life and that He will guide you in His, time. Ecclesiastes 3:1, Habakkuk 2:3 Actively challenge negative thoughts and replace them with positive, 2. Encouragement to trust God's goodness and faithfulness. God's goodness and faithfulness are promises, not conditions, and are available to everyone, Proverbs 3:5-6, 2 Timothy 2:13. i. Focus on Your Relationship with God: - Make your relationship with God your primary focus, as it is the foundation for your joy and fulfilment. ii, Embrace the Advantages of Singleness: Singleness can offer unique opportunities to deepen your relationship with God, serve His Kingdom, and pursue your calling. iii, Find Joy in Your Single Life: - There are many ways to live a joyful and fulfilling single life, including serving others, pursuing hobbies, and connecting with your community. 1 Corin. 7:8 iv, Be Patient and Persistent: - Trusting God takes time and effort, but it is a journey worth undertaking. Romans 12:12. Romans 8:25 3. Strategies for overcoming negative thoughts and emotions. = In addition to the above, to manage our emotions in a biblical way, we need to stop ruminating on sinful thoughts and meditate on the truth of God's Word. - Phil. 4:8-9, - Pouring them out to God is the solution. - Psalm 62:8 CONCLUSION: The major Cause of doubt and discouragement is unbelief. The enemy will shift your focus on your weakness and shortcomings. Sometimes magnify your problem more than the power of God. Unbelief develops when you give attention to the voice of the enemy. Unbelief is the foundation on which fear and discouragement grows. Discouragement is to diminish the confidence or courage in the promise of the father concerning our situations. We need to understand that a heart of unbelief grieves God. Unbelief is believing something other than what God has said about your situation. You can believe in Him, but still not believe what He says. His words and promises shall surely come to pass if you can hold on to your faith in HIM. QUESTIONS. 1, What are the specific areas of my life where I am feeling discouraged or doubting? 2. How does she balance discipline and nurturing? 2. How can you actively combat the voice of doubt that tells you that you are not good enough or worthy of God's blessings? 3. What role does forgiveness, both of yourself and others, play in overcoming discouragement and doubt?