Despondency(despair, discouragement)
/dih-SPON-den-see/
Summary
Deep discouragement or loss of hope, which afflicted even great servants of God but from which He graciously delivers.
☩Biblical Examples
Elijah, after his victory over the prophets of Baal, fled from Jezebel and asked to die. Jonah was displeased when Nineveh repented and desired death. David's soul was cast down within him. Job cursed the day of his birth. Even these great servants experienced profound discouragement.
Key verses:1 Kings 19:4Jonah 4:3Psalm 42:5-6Job 3:1-3
☩God's Response
God tenderly restored His despondent servants. He sent an angel to feed Elijah. He questioned Jonah's anger. The psalmist preached to his own soul: 'Hope thou in God.' Believers are never to cast away their confidence, for they are never without hope in Christ.
Key verses:1 Kings 19:5-7Jonah 4:4Psalm 42:11Hebrews 10:35Romans 15:13
Related Verses36 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Despondency," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. II (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).