When You Come to The End of Yourself!

"I CAN'T DO THIS ANYMORE!"

How many of us have said this when we feel hopeless and discouraged because when we look to the future — we see nothing that will bring joy or pleasure. All we see is more struggle, pain and difficulty.

But there is good news.

As we read the words of David in Psalm 38, we find this godly, righteous man was also at the end of himself. He was downcast and discouraged, and his struggle had drained him of all strength. Listen to his distraught cry:

"I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long I am feeble and sore broken: I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me, I as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that openeth not his mouth. Thus I was as a man that hearth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs (Psalm 38:6, 8, 10, 13-14). 

As I read this psalm, I imagine David slumped in despair. Perhaps what troubled him most was that he could not understand why he was suddenly cast down so low. This man hungered for the Lord, pouring out his heart daily in prayer. He revered Gods word, writing psalms that exalted His glory. But now, in his depressed state, all he could do was cry, Lord, I am at the end of my rope. And I have no idea why it is happening!

Like many discouraged Christians today, David tried to figure out why he felt so empty and broken in spirit. He probably relived every failure, and foolish deed in his life. Finally, David reasoned that God must have been punishing him. Let me point out here that David is not just writing about his own condition in this psalm. He is describing something that all devoted lovers of Jesus face at some point in their lifetime. He is talking about being under a spirit of discouragement! The time comes when every dedicated believer is overwhelmed by this sudden and unexpected experience. No, Christian brings it on himself, nor does the Lord send it. Such an attack usually has nothing to do with any specific sin or failing by the believer. 

Very simply, the spirit of discouragement is an attack of the enemy against Gods elect. Feebleness, soreness, brokenness, troubles, being deprived of peace, mourning all of these things over burdened Davids spirit. He felt dry and empty, without direction, as if he had learned nothing over the years. 

If you are like David, tired, discouraged, wounded and ready to scream you can't do this anymore then I have good news. You are ready for grace. When you come to the end of yourself that's when you find the beginning of God. He is waiting for you with arms wide open to love you and to refresh you with His grace. He will show you the good things God has ahead for you.  When our hearts are in this lowly place, we can’t change our own hearts. But the Holy Spirit can. The Spirit of Christ will not let you be deceived. But you must dare to believe He will speak to you! You are not going to faint. You are going to come out of your trial more victorious, because your faith will have been tested and tried as gold. And you’ll see the Lord fulfill every promise he has made to you! 

Go to your secret closet right now, even in your discouraged state, and quiet yourself before the Lord and pray by the Holy Spirit to fight the enemy of discouragement.  

Give ear to my cry, O LORD Incline yourself to my petition. Lord Jesus, I bring all my burdens and lay them at the foot of Your cross. You know all about my life and circumstances; nothing that has happened to me is unknown to You. Lord, I know your Spirit abides in me. And I know you have sent him to comfort me, strengthen me and reveal the mind of Christ to me. So, Holy Ghost, I turn to you right now in simple, childlike faith. Speak to my heart your words of comfort. I do not have any strength left. You’re going to have to lift me up and lead me to your quiet stream. I feel lost, weary, lonely, overwhelmed. You know the plans You have for me. Order my steps! I feel stuck in life between the questions "why?" and "when?" Before I give up and shut down with an "I don't care anymore" attitude, please meet me right now where my needs are. Psalm 119:32 says, My soul melts from heaviness and I ask you to strengthen me according to Your Word. Dear Lord, grace me with your clear revelation. Reveal to me your blessed assurance in a way that I could not doubt your presence and provision in my life. Change my heart, thoughts and words. If there are no doors of escape from my circumstances, teach me to endure with courage, faith, a plan of action and a sound mind. 

Restore my hope and joy with your direction and protection. Lord you have my full attention. I listen only to you. I surrender my whole heart and life to You with confidence that You are able to make all things work together for my good. I turn my attention away from the enemy of discouragement and turn my face to You, my Redeemer, for strength and provision. I grasp and cling to whatever you tell me; God, don’t let me down! I’ll run the course you lay out for me if you’ll just show me how. Heavenly Father, today I declare that my times and seasons are in Your hands and they shall not be altered or adjusted by anyone or anything. I function under Your anointing and I ask that you give me the divine ability to accurately discern my times and seasons according to Your Word.  

I ask You to release all finances and all resources that belong to me. I ask You to release everything prepared for me before the foundation of the world that pertains to my life and my calling. I shall not, will not be denied or discouraged! I shall not, and will not accept substitutes. In the Name of Christ Jesus, I declare that every resource necessary for me to fulfill God’s original plans and purposes comes to me without delay. 

Heavenly Father, I praise You and thank You for strengthening the bars of my gates; and making peace in my borders according to Psalms 147:12-14. Heavenly Father, Your Will, will be done in my life, in Jesus Name I pray, Amen.