When Discouragement Hits: How to Anchor Your Heart in the Promises of God
Pastor Jack Hibbs teaches how believers can overcome discouragement by anchoring their hearts in the promises of God and standing firm in faith.
Discouragement shows up quietly, often unexpectedly. It arrives after exhausting seasons, spiritual battles, unanswered prayers, or setbacks we never saw coming. Scripture shows us that even the strongest men and women of God faced discouragement. Elijah reached a point so low he asked the Lord to take his life. Jeremiah wrestled with loneliness and rejection. Paul confessed that he despaired even of life. David poured out some of the rawest words ever recorded in Scripture as he cried, “Why are you cast down, O my soul?”
Discouragement does not mean you have failed God. It means you are human. The real danger is not feeling discouraged. The danger is letting discouragement have the final word. God never rebukes His children for feeling overwhelmed. Instead, He meets us right in the middle of it and restores our strength.
This long-form devotional, inspired by Pastor Jack Hibbs’ teaching, will help you understand discouragement not as a sign of spiritual defeat, but as an invitation to anchor your heart in the promises of God and walk forward in faith.
Some believers feel ashamed when discouragement hits. They assume that if they were stronger, they would not feel this way. But Scripture tells a different story. Elijah had just witnessed one of the greatest miracles in Israel’s history when discouragement swept in like a storm. His boldness suddenly collapsed into exhaustion, and he fled to the wilderness.
Jeremiah experienced deep pain because he was ridiculed and rejected for speaking God’s truth. Paul endured spiritual battles so intense that he admitted he despaired even of life. David, a man after God’s own heart, confronted discouragement repeatedly and spoke to his own soul, urging it to hope in God.
These examples show us that discouragement is not a spiritual flaw. It is a human reality. Even the most faithful servants of God can become weary under pressure, confused about God’s timing, or drained from long seasons of spiritual warfare.
But here is the good news. God does not scold you for feeling discouraged. He does not tell you to hide it or pretend everything is fine. Instead, He invites you to bring it to Him. Discouragement becomes dangerous only when it drives you away from God instead of toward Him.
God meets you in your discouragement. He speaks in the quiet moments when your strength is gone. He restores you with truth. He reminds you that He has not changed, even when your emotions have.
When you feel discouraged, the most spiritual thing you can do is be honest with God. Lay your burdens at His feet. Let Him restore what weariness has taken. You do not overcome discouragement through denial. You overcome discouragement through surrender.
Discouragement is not neutral. It is one of the enemy’s most reliable weapons because it attacks your clarity, confidence, and courage all at once. When discouragement settles in, you begin to doubt what you know is true. Your prayers lose their boldness. Your perspective narrows. Instead of standing firm, you begin to shrink back.
Satan loves discouragement because it makes strong believers feel defeated and confident believers feel uncertain. If the enemy can discourage you, he does not have to defeat you. Discouragement will drain you until you stop pursuing God’s calling.
Discouragement often whispers lies such as:
“You are alone.”
“God has forgotten you.”
“Your prayers are not working.”
“Your obedience does not matter.”
“Nothing is changing.”
“Your best days are behind you.”
None of these statements come from God. They come from a real enemy who wants to pull you out of the battle and into isolation.
Discouragement also erodes your spiritual defenses. It shifts your focus to your emotions rather than God’s truth. But discouragement is not a lack of faith. It is a lack of perspective. When you stop seeing God clearly, discouragement fills the emptiness.
This is why the enemy amplifies discouragement the moment you obey the Lord. Many believers assume that obedience should make life easier, but the reality is the opposite. Some of your deepest discouragements will come right after you take a step of faith. The enemy presses harder because you are moving in the right direction.
Do not let discouragement convince you that you are going the wrong way. It may be the strongest confirmation that you are exactly where God wants you.
Discouragement is loud. It echoes in your mind. It exaggerates your failures. It highlights your fears. It predicts outcomes that have not happened. It overwhelms your thoughts until you begin believing things that are not true.
This is why you must allow God’s Word to speak louder than your emotions.
When David was discouraged, he did not wait for his emotions to change. He spoke to his own soul. He declared the truth of Scripture. He reminded himself that God was still on the throne, still faithful, still good.
Sometimes the truth you need most is not new. It is simply forgotten. Discouragement causes spiritual amnesia. You forget who God is, what He has done, and what He has promised. That is why the most powerful thing you can do in moments of discouragement is to open Scripture and speak the promises of God aloud.
Psalm 18:2 says, “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer.”
Psalm 34:17 says, “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears.”
Isaiah 40:29 says, “He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength.”
Philippians 1:6 declares that God finishes what He starts.
Your emotions may tell you that everything is collapsing. But God’s Word tells you that He holds everything together.
Faith does not come from positive thinking. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. When discouragement rises, open your Bible. Read it out loud. Let the truth of Scripture correct the lies that discouragement whispers.
One of the most difficult forms of discouragement comes when God feels silent. You pray but hear nothing. You obey but see no results. You wait but nothing seems to move. In those moments, discouragement grows quickly because silence feels like abandonment.
But silence is not absence. God often does His greatest work behind the scenes where you cannot see it yet.
Joseph spent years in prison, forgotten by people but never forgotten by God. Job sat in silence for long stretches while heaven battled on his behalf. Jesus intentionally waited four days before going to Lazarus’ tomb, not because He did not care, but because He had a greater plan unfolding.
When you cannot see what God is doing, you can trust that He is still doing something. Silence is not the end of your story. God is not finished writing His plans for you. Philippians 1:6 declares that the One who began a good work in you will complete it. Not might. Will.
Your discouragement may tell you that nothing is happening, but heaven is rarely as still as it seems. God moves quietly before He moves publicly. He prepares the breakthrough long before you see the outcome. Your job is not to understand the timing. Your job is to trust the One who holds every moment in His hands.
Discouragement grows when you measure God’s faithfulness by your timeline. But hope grows when you measure your timeline by God’s faithfulness.
Discouragement convinces you to stop, quit, or withdraw. It pushes you toward making decisions you will regret later. That is why Scripture consistently warns believers not to move or react when discouragement is speaking. Decisions made in discouragement are almost always the wrong decisions.
Elijah wanted to quit. Jonah wanted to run. Peter wanted to return to fishing. None of those decisions were Spirit led. They were emotional reactions to discouragement.
God does not ask you to understand everything. He simply asks you to stay close to Him. When you wait on the Lord, He renews your strength. When you lean into Him, He restores your confidence. When you surrender your discouragement, He lifts the burden that was never meant to be carried alone.
David found strength not in his circumstances, but in the Lord his God. Paul pressed on because the Spirit strengthened him. Joshua overcame fear because God promised to be with him. The same God who strengthened them strengthens you.
Discouragement cannot defeat a surrendered heart. You do not have to be strong enough on your own. You simply need to surrender to the strength of the Lord. When your heart is surrendered, discouragement loses its power. It may slow you, but it cannot stop you.
Keep your eyes on the finish line. God sees the entire race. He sees every valley and every mountain, every tear and every prayer. He promises that your labor is never wasted and your faithfulness is never forgotten. Discouragement wants you to stop, but God calls you to endure.
You were never meant to fight alone. God is near to the brokenhearted. He saves those who are crushed in spirit. He places you in a family of believers so you do not have to carry burdens by yourself. Discouragement isolates, but God unites. Reach out. Ask for prayer. Share your struggles. Let others remind you of truth when you cannot see it clearly.
God will bring you through this season. He will strengthen you again. He will restore your joy. And He will prove faithful in every detail of your life.
Father, You see the weight on my heart today. You know the fears, the frustrations, and the moments when I feel like giving up. Remind me that I am not alone. Teach me to trust Your timing and Your promises. Strengthen me where I am weak. Restore my hope. Help me keep my eyes on Jesus, the One who began this work in me and who will carry it to completion. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Pastor Jack Hibbs teaches how believers can overcome discouragement by anchoring their hearts in the promises of God and standing firm in faith.

Finding a movie that everyone in the family can enjoy is not always easy. Parents want something uplifting and clean, older kids want a story that feels engaging, and younger children need something visually warm and easy to follow. Thankfully, there are high-quality Christian films available today that accomplish all three.
Real Life Network offers several free streaming options that combine strong storytelling with biblical themes, historical inspiration, and messages that encourage meaningful discussion. Whether you want an animated adventure, a true story of courage, or a film that sparks deeper conversations about faith, these five titles provide excellent choices for your next movie night.
Below are five family-friendly films you can stream for free, each selected for its strong values, engaging story, and ability to spark conversations around Scripture and real-world faith.
Why It’s Worth Watching
Set during World War II, Sabina tells the remarkable true story of Sabina and Richard Wurmbrand, co-founders of The Voice of the Martyrs. At its heart, this film explores what it means to love and forgive in circumstances that most people could hardly imagine. While the setting includes the tension of the era, the film stays rooted in themes of redemption and forgiveness rather than graphic content.
Families with older children and teens will appreciate the emotional depth of the story, especially its portrayal of choosing compassion over hatred. The film creates a valuable opportunity to discuss how biblical love is more than a feeling; it is a choice that reflects the heart of Christ.
A Scripture Connection
Romans 12:21 (NKJV) says, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Sabina’s story embodies this command through real-world actions that challenge viewers to consider how they might respond in moments of hurt or injustice.
You can stream Sabina anytime on Real Life Network.
Why It’s Worth Watching
Based on John Bunyan’s enduring classic, this animated adaptation introduces children and adults alike to one of the most influential Christian stories ever written. The movie follows Christian, an ordinary man who leaves the City of Destruction on a quest toward the Celestial City. Along the way, he faces challenges that mirror the spiritual struggles believers encounter today.
The animation style makes the story accessible for children, while the symbolism offers deeper meaning for teens and adults. The film’s moments of tension never cross into inappropriate territory, keeping it family-friendly while still meaningful.
A Scripture Connection
Psalm 119:105 (NKJV) teaches, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Christian’s journey visually demonstrates the way God’s truth guides believers through confusion, temptation, and fear.
Families can find The Pilgrim’s Progress available for free streaming on Real Life Network.
Why It’s Worth Watching
For families who enjoy sports films with deeper life lessons, Seven Days in Utopia is an excellent choice. The story centers on a young golfer whose career is unraveling. After an unexpected detour, he ends up in a small Texas town where he meets a mentor who teaches him that the condition of the heart matters far more than the perfection of a swing.
This film stands out for its gentle pace, clean content, and emphasis on character over competition. The movie’s themes—purpose, humility, and discipline—make it ideal for older children and teens navigating questions about identity and success.
A Scripture Connection
Proverbs 4:23 (NKJV) says, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.” The film illustrates this truth through its message that the inner life drives outward choices, goals, and motivations.
You can stream Seven Days in Utopia for free on Real Life Network and enjoy a movie night that encourages reflection long after the credits roll.
Why It’s Worth Watching
This documentary-style film examines the powerful life of Corrie ten Boom, a Dutch Christian who, along with her family, risked everything to protect Jewish refugees during World War II. Her story continues to inspire believers around the world with its message of courage, forgiveness, and trust in God in the darkest circumstances.
Although the subject matter deals with historical oppression, the film handles the material with care, avoiding unnecessary intensity while still portraying the weight of the choices Corrie and her family made. For middle schoolers, teens, and adults, this is a meaningful look at faith in action.
A Scripture Connection
Psalm 46:1 (NKJV) reminds us, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Corrie’s story reflects this assurance, showing how reliance on the Lord can sustain believers through unimaginable trials.
Families can explore Corrie ten Boom: A Faith Undefeated on Real Life Network to spark important conversations about faithfulness, courage, and hope.
Why It’s Worth Watching
Few films have had a greater global impact than The Jesus Film. It presents the life of Jesus directly from the Gospel of Luke, making it both a cinematic experience and an accessible introduction to Scripture. Because the film remains close to the biblical text, it provides a helpful visual foundation for understanding the ministry, miracles, and teachings of Christ.
For families with younger children, this movie offers a clear and gentle way to introduce the story of Jesus. For older kids and adults, it strengthens understanding of the gospel message and prompts meaningful discussion.
A Scripture Connection
John 20:31 (NKJV) explains the purpose of the Gospel accounts: “These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.” The Jesus Film offers a faithful way to encounter that message visually.
You can stream The Jesus Film for free on Real Life Network anytime.
A meaningful family movie night doesn’t have to involve searching endlessly through crowded streaming menus. The titles available on Real Life Network offer clean storytelling, uplifting themes, and opportunities to talk about faith in ways that resonate with all ages. Whether your family enjoys animated adventures, historical accounts, sports stories, or biblical narratives, these five films provide a great place to start.
Each one invites conversation about Scripture, character, courage, and the hope found in Christ. And because they are available to stream for free, they offer easy access to uplifting entertainment that brings the family together.
Explore more films and biblical content anytime on Real Life Network.
Discover five family-friendly Christian movies you can stream for free, including animated classics, true stories of faith, and films that inspire meaningful conversations at home.

Heaven’s influence on our lives is never greater than when our sights are fixed upon it. The man or woman whose eyes are turned upward will be marked by a life lived differently. We know this because of the accounts of those who determined to fix their gaze far above the earth. Moses is a perfect example.
In Pharaoh’s house, Moses had every benefit laid at his feet. Yet, he was not captivated by the security of the Egyptian court because “he was looking ahead to his reward” (Hebrews 11:26). For Moses, looking upward equated to living beyond the fleeting rewards of playing it safe, resulting in the deliverance of millions of his people from bondage.
Missionary to China, Hudson Taylor was another who lived with heaven in constant view. In writing about winning souls to Christ, Taylor said, “China is not to be won for Christ by quiet, ease-loving men and women.” Through his courageous, some might say outrageous, trust in God, he inspired thousands to forsake the comforts of the West to bring the gospel to China's vast, unknown interior.
The Magi of the Christmas account trained their eye on the heavenly star so they might find the Christ Child and worship Him. Christian, what are your sights set on? What is the driving force in your worship of your King? I pray that you turn your eyes upward to that which will one day be yours—heaven.
As Christians, we are called to live each day with our eyes fixed on heaven.

The Christmas season is here, and Real Life Network is inviting believers everywhere to slow down, refocus, and return their attention to the miracle of Jesus. As the world grows louder with online news, politics, and endless cultural noise, RLN offers something different. Through our Christian streaming service, we are releasing 25 Days of Christmas, a daily journey filled with Scripture based encouragement, Christ centered reflections, and uplifting content for the whole family. If you are looking for conservative news, biblical worldview teaching, and clean, faith filled programming during the holidays, RLN is the place to be.
Each day leading up to Christmas, viewers can experience a new message designed to prepare the heart, strengthen the mind, and stir worship. Pastor Jack Hibbs opens the series with a timely reminder that Christmas is more than tradition. It is the celebration of God stepping into human history. In a culture that often replaces truth with distraction, this season calls us back to the foundation of our faith, the birth of Jesus Christ.
A special highlight of the series comes from Daniel and Paige Cohen, reporting from Israel. Their Christmas reflections offer a meaningful perspective on the land where the story of redemption began. As global tension and uncertainty continue to shape the headlines, their messages are a reminder that the hope of the Gospel remains unshaken. The places we read about in Scripture are real, the promises of God are real, and the Messiah who came is still the Savior who reigns.
Every day through Christmas, RLN will release fresh content that helps families stay grounded in biblical truth. Whether you are looking for devotionals, heartfelt conversations, holiday teachings, or encouraging perspectives on faith and culture, there is something here to build your spirit. Christmas is not only a day on the calendar. It is a season worth celebrating with intention.
Families can also explore RLN’s Christmas Channel, featuring programs such as Hope for the Holidays, 25 Days of Christmas, and The Christ of Christmas. These series point viewers away from the pressure and commercialism of the world and toward the peace that comes from Christ alone.
One of the greatest joys of Real Life Network is offering content that is truly safe for the whole family. Parents no longer need to filter through questionable shows or wonder what messages their children are being taught. RLN provides clean, uplifting, biblically faithful programs that help strengthen homes and cultivate a Christian worldview.
This Christmas, we invite you to return your focus to the Savior, to rediscover the miracle of His birth, and to celebrate His unchanging love. Whether you watch Pastor Jack Hibbs, join Daniel and Paige Cohen in Israel, or enjoy the many holiday programs available, RLN is here to walk with you through this season of hope.
Start watching 25 Days of Christmas today at RealLifeNetwork.com and experience a Christmas focused on the One who came to save.
Real Life Network launches 25 Days of Christmas with Pastor Jack Hibbs, Daniel and Paige Cohen, and daily Christ centered content to help families celebrate the season with biblical hope.

Walking faithfully with God is not complicated, but it is costly. It is simple, but not easy. Faithfulness is not built in the spotlight. It is formed when the room is quiet, when the phone is off, when no one is applauding, and when there is no reward except the pleasure of God Himself. That is the kind of faith that pleases the Lord. That is the faith Scripture celebrates. And it is the kind of faith every believer is called to live out in this hour.
We live in a world that rewards image instead of integrity, noise instead of truth, feelings instead of faith. Yet God has never changed His standard. He is still looking for men and women who will walk with Him in the unseen places. He is still looking for faithfulness.
Below are five pillars of biblical faithfulness that every Christian can build their life upon. They are not complicated. They are not glamorous. But they are powerful, and they are the very things God notices and rewards.
Real biblical faith starts with one simple but life changing truth. God is who He says He is. Hebrews 11:6 declares that without faith it is impossible to please Him. Scripture does not say it is difficult. It says it is impossible. The person who comes to God must believe two things. First, that God exists. And second, that He rewards those who diligently seek Him.
Those two beliefs shape every moment of our walk with God. Faith says He is here even when He feels silent. Faith says He sees me even when no one else does. Faith says He is faithful even when I do not understand what He is doing. Faith is never blind. Faith sees more clearly than sight does.
Many Christians struggle with faithfulness because they have never settled in their hearts who God is. He is not a distant deity. He is not an idea. He is not a theory. He is the faithful Creator who cannot lie. Faithfulness grows when our confidence in His character grows. Noah endured mockery because he trusted God. Abraham left everything familiar because he trusted God. Moses confronted Pharaoh because he trusted God. Every example in Hebrews 11 begins with the same root. God spoke, and they believed Him.
Faithfulness today still begins with believing God. Not believing our emotions. Not believing culture. Not believing the headlines. Believing God. He has not failed you. He has not forgotten you. He has not changed His mind about you. Faithfulness is choosing to trust Him again today. This kind of trust is not emotional hype. It is not a moment of inspiration. It is daily obedience. It is saying, “Lord, I believe You. Even when I am tired. Even when I am discouraged. Even when I am walking by faith and not by sight.” That is the soil where faithfulness begins.
Faithfulness is not natural. It is supernatural. Galatians 5:22 tells us plainly that faithfulness is fruit. You cannot manufacture it. You cannot fake it. You cannot force it. Fruit grows when the branch abides in the vine. It grows when the believer stays filled with the Spirit. The flesh will never choose faithfulness. The flesh looks for the easy way out. The flesh looks for shortcuts. The flesh wants applause. That is why many people start strong but quit early. Faithfulness is not born from the flesh. It is born from walking with the Spirit.
A Spirit filled believer will be faithful even when he is weary. A Spirit filled believer will forgive when the world says to walk away. A Spirit filled believer will open the Bible even when everything inside him wants to scroll past another hour on a screen. A Spirit filled believer will pray even when the prayer feels weak.
If you feel inconsistent in your walk with God, the solution is not to try harder. The solution is to surrender deeper. Ask the Lord to fill you again. Ask Him to soften your heart. Ask Him to strengthen your obedience. God never commands something He will not empower. If He calls us to be faithful, He will give us the strength to walk it out. Enoch walked with God in a culture that despised righteousness. Yet Scripture says he pleased God. How? He walked with Him. That is the secret. Daily communion. Daily surrender. Daily dependence. Faithfulness is not a sudden burst of passion. It is a steady, Spirit empowered life.
When the Holy Spirit fills a believer, faithfulness becomes possible. It becomes natural. It becomes joyful. And it becomes evidence that we truly belong to Him.
Worship is not a song. It is a surrender. It is Abel bringing the best of what he had, not because it was convenient but because it was costly. Hebrews 11:4 reminds us that Abel’s offering was excellent because his heart was excellent. Cain gave God something. Abel gave God himself.
Faithfulness in worship means we give God more than words. We give Him our priorities. We give Him our time. We give Him our affections. We give Him our obedience. It is possible to sing loud in church and still hold back our heart from God. He sees the difference. Cain brought an offering. Abel brought faith. Cain gave out of ease. Abel gave out of dependence. Cain offered something that did not cost him much. Abel offered something that showed trust. Faithful worship is always costly. It costs convenience. It costs selfishness. It costs pride. It costs comfort. But it pleases God.
You cannot be faithful to the Lord and casual about worship. Faithfulness bows before God when the world stands proud. Faithfulness kneels in surrender when culture says to resist truth. Faithfulness says, “Lord, You have my whole life. Not just the parts that look impressive. Not just the parts that are comfortable. All of it.”
In a world that worships self, true worship stands out. When you lift your hands, heaven sees. When you give sacrificially, heaven sees. When you choose purity, heaven sees. When you serve quietly without recognition, heaven sees. God is not looking at the size of the offering. He is looking at the size of the surrender. Worship that costs nothing means nothing. But worship that costs something means everything to God. That is faithfulness.
We are living in a time when fear is marketed like a product. The world is loud, chaotic, unstable, and always shouting. Fear paralyzes people. Fear silences truth. Fear makes believers forget who God is. But Scripture declares that God has not given us a spirit of fear. He has given us power, love, and a sound mind. Faithfulness and fear cannot coexist. One will drive out the other. When fear runs your decisions, faithfulness fades. When God’s truth fills your heart, fear loses its grip.
Noah obeyed God while an entire generation laughed at him. He kept building. He kept trusting. He kept moving forward even when people thought he was delusional. That is what faithfulness looks like in a culture hostile to truth. It is standing firm on God’s Word even when the world mocks it.
Faithfulness today means holding fast to Scripture when culture says it is outdated. It means believing God’s design when the world tells you to follow your truth. It means standing for righteousness when compromise is easier. It means refusing to water down the gospel to make it more palatable. The world rewards compromise. God rewards conviction. Culture celebrates convenience. God celebrates obedience. Faithfulness is choosing the narrow road over the popular one. It is choosing truth over comfort. It is choosing Christ over the approval of man.
You may lose friends. You may lose opportunities. You may face ridicule. But you will gain something far greater. You will gain the peace of walking in the will of God. You will gain the joy of a clean conscience. You will gain the strength that comes from knowing you stood firm when many gave up. Do not fear the cost of faithfulness. Fear the cost of compromise. The temporary applause of men is nothing compared to the eternal approval of God.
Hebrews 6:10 gives a promise every believer should memorize. God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name. Nothing done in faithfulness is wasted. Nothing.
You may feel unseen. God sees you. You may feel overlooked. God remembers you. You may feel like your prayers, your service, your obedience, your faithfulness, and your sacrifices have produced little fruit. God says otherwise. He keeps perfect record. And He rewards those who remain steady.
Faithfulness is not loud. It is lasting. It is showing up when you feel tired. It is reading the Word when you feel distracted. It is praying when your emotions say to quit. It is loving people who are hard to love. It is raising your children in truth when culture pulls at them daily. It is honoring your marriage vows when the world normalizes quitting. It is choosing purity when temptation rises. It is staying the course when everyone else wanders.
Faithfulness is not about perfection. It is about direction. The question is not whether you stumble. The question is whether you get back up. The question is whether you choose obedience again tomorrow. The question is whether you set your eyes on eternity instead of the distractions of the world. One day you will stand before the Lord. Not before social media. Not before culture. Not before the critics. Before the Lord. And what you did in faithfulness will matter forever. Jesus did not say, “Well done, successful servant.” He said, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Your faithfulness today is shaping your eternity. Keep sowing. Keep trusting. Keep obeying. Your reward is coming.
If this encouraged you, share it with someone who needs strength for the journey. And for more teaching that stands firmly on biblical truth, be sure to watch Pastor Jack Hibbs on the Real Life Network. Thousands of hours of discipleship content, films, sermons, and programs are available for free at RealLifeNetwork.com.
Let your faithfulness shine where no one sees. God sees. And He is pleased.
A biblical, Spirit filled look at faithfulness, obedience, and walking closely with God even when no one sees.
