Article September 18, 1926 Issue

Overcoming Discouragement

LLOYD B. COATE

Who has not heard the lamentation, "There is no use in my trying any longer; I may as well give up"? Fear is a component part of all forms of discouragement and anxiety, as when it makes parents overanxious for a child. Worry is a close companion of fear and discouragement. The fear of not being able to earn a livelihood not only has hindered the demonstration of needed supply in the family, but has often been the cause of sickness and suffering. A physician who had practiced medicine for almost half a century once remarked, "Fear, worry, and discouragement have caused more sickness than anything else." This coincides with what Mrs. Eddy teaches on pages 391, 392, and 411 of her textbook, "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures."

Discouragement is a suggestion of so-called mortal mind, a suggestion that God, divine Love, cannot or will not preserve the health of His children and provide a way for the supply of daily food and clothing. Discouragement may thus be said to result from a lack of confidence or a loss of confidence in God, infinite good. Whence come the tormenting suggestions of discouragement and limitation? Inasmuch as nothing but good can emanate from God, the suggestions of fear, worry, limitation, and sickness must have their origin in so-called mortal mind. Mortals have tried to overcome such suggestions by resorting to material means and by relying upon this false mind, but such efforts always end in failure. The time will come in the experience of each one when he will realize that only through absolute reliance on Christ, Truth can the evil suggestions of mortal mind be destroyed—proved unreal.

The Scriptures are full of promises showing that God intends that men shall live, enjoy health, be happy, and possess all that is necessary to meet their needs. In defining his great mission. Jesus said, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." Jesus proved that it is our right to be abundantly well, abundantly happy, and to have an abundant supply to meet our every need. Even before the Christian era Isaiah had taught Israel not to fear or be discouraged, since God would strengthen, help, and uphold men. To counteract the suggestions of discouragement the Psalmist wrote: "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God." Bless the Lord, . . . who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; who redeemeth thy life from destruction."

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