Have you ever noticed what a negative prefix “dis” is? Any word, especially anything that could be remotely positive, immediately sinks, deep into the depths, 20,000 leagues under the sea into the darkest hole…when paired with “dis.”
A few examples ~
Embark—new horizons. Disembark—the “let down” feeling.
Enchanted—an elated moment. Disenchanted—dreams lost.
Regard—noticed. Disregard—tossed aside.
Approved—affirmed. Disapproved—found wanting.
The list could, and does go on and on. But one word that especially takes on a drastic change of meaning when connected with that prefix is the word courage.
The root of “courage” is found in Latin—cor, meaning heart, courage originally viewed as an emotion of the heart. Today, however, it takes on more of a badge of heroism definition—from Merriam-Webster.com: “mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.” Either way, courage paints images of hope, faith, integrity, honor, perseverance, mettle, spirit, resolution, and tenacity. Tack on the prefix “dis” and courage’s entire meaning; its whole “reason-to-be” is sapped away. We find ourselves in that cloudy, Eeyore feeling because our hearts feel scandalously tromped on. Perseverance…hope…faith…mettle…spirit…resolution, have dissolved away.
What does God say about discouragement—because He better than anyone knows what it can do? Check out Matthew 26:36-39. But also check out Psalm 42:5, 7-8a (NLT). He knows what we face.
“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!
I hear the tumult of the raging seas
as your waves and surging tides sweep over me.
But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me…”
We may be experiencing all sorts of circumstances, feeling like we’re drowning in the waves and tides that are surging over us, but God is there and He is with us.
“But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you.
O Israel, the one who formed you says,
“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.
I have called you by name; you are mine.
When you go through deep waters,
I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty,
you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression,
you will not be burned up;
the flames will not consume you.
For I am the Lord, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”
Isaiah 43: 1-3 (NLT)
Discouragement doesn’t hold a candle to God.
