When we make mistakes, something goes wrong, or we’re just feeling discouraged, we have two choices. We can stay down, dwelling in our failure or disappointment, or we can get up and try again. But rising up can be easier said than done. Sometimes the first step towards getting out of discouragement is finding somebody who can lift us. The people we spend time with will either lift us up or pull us down. When we spend time with people who are always negative, always complaining, and are full of despair about their life, we can end up coming out of that conversation feeling negative and full of despair at our lives too. But when we’re around people who are bursting with positivity, it’s hard not to be encouraged. Their positivity is contagious. Paul wrote, ‘God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus’ (2 Corinthians 7:6 NIV). We all need a Titus in our lives, someone who comforts us and encourages us to keep going when we’re struggling. And we all should aim to be a Titus to other people too. When we see that someone is struggling, we should be quick to encourage, help, and build them up. The Bible says, ‘Carry each other’s burdens’ (Galatians 6:2 NIV). We also need to have the right perspective. When we become focused on our problems, it’s easy to be drawn into a downward spiral and to get more and more negative. But when we put our problems into perspective, and remember that God promises to be with us, to work with us, and to use everything we go through for good (have a look at Romans 8:28) then we can rise up in positivity.

What Now?

If you’re feeling down and discouraged today, do something to help. Maybe spend some time with someone who cheers you up, listen to your favourite music, or go for a walk.