What to do when you feel like giving upThursday, July 10, 2025

At some point, we all face moments when giving up feels easier than pressing on. In the Bible, whenever people would give up, it was because they were discouraged.  

Discouragement is a lack of courage and according to Webster’s 1828 Dictionary, courage is a mindset; an inner strength as a result of a correct mindset; a correct mindset that causes an inward strength to face and encounter danger and difficulties without fear or depression.  

All discouragement begins in our head, our thoughts. To be discouraged is dangerous because it opens the door to depression, and depression is a thief. It steals our vision, joy, energy, and purpose. 

In Isaiah 60:1-2 AMP, we see a powerful word of encouragement: “Arise [from the depression and prostration in which circumstances have kept you—rise to a new life]! Shine [be radiant with the glory and brilliance of the Lord]; for your light has come, and the glory and brilliance of the Lord has risen upon you.2 “For in fact, darkness will cover the earth And deep darkness will cover the peoples; But the Lord will rise upon you [Jerusalem] And His glory and brilliance will be seen on you.”  

When we lack courage, we: 

  • Will never fulfill God’s destiny. 
  • Will never take a risk. 
  • Will always try to fit in. 

Why We Feel Like Giving Up: 

  • Fatigue – When we're physically drained, our spiritual and emotional defenses weaken. 
  • Fear – Fear distorts our view of the future and magnifies our problems. 
  • Wrong Friends – Surrounding ourselves with negative influences can feed hopelessness. 
  • Wrong Feelings – Our feelings reflect and  
  • Wrong Perspective – When we forget how big God is, our problems seem bigger than they are. 
  • Wrong Focus – Focusing on the problem instead of the Promise will always lead to despair. 

Psalm 42:11 NLT says “Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God!” 

Five Keys to Keep Going When You Want to Give Up 

  1. Renew Your Spirit Daily 

    2. Your need daily refreshing through God’s Word, worship, and His presence. 

  2. Remember: This Won’t Last Forever 

    3. Whatever you're walking through is temporary. God's promises are eternal. 

  3. Let God Grow You 

    4. Trials are not just problems; they’re opportunities for God to develop your character. 

  4. Visualize the Reward 

    5. Your faithfulness has a future. Visualize the impact of your perseverance for yourself and for those around you. 

  5. Keep Your Focus on God 

    6. When Peter walked on water, he only sank when he shifted his eyes from Jesus to the storm. Fix your eyes on Him. 

Final Thoughts 

You may feel like giving up, but God has given you the tools to overcome, the Spirit to strengthen you, and a purpose to pursue. Arise, for your future is brighter than your past. Don’t give up. Look up.