Everyone faces discouragement, some more than others. More extreme examples of discouragement have many faces - chronic anxiety, fear, panic attacks, and depression are only a few manifestations of discouragement. Jason Meyer addresses the epidemic of discouragement in his book, Don’t Lose Heart: Gospel Hope for the Discouraged Soul. The author writes, “Discouragement can be defeated only when the full truth of everything that is for us confronts and conquers the half-truth of fear and despair.” The book is filled with practical examples of dealing with discouragement and is laced with biblical ammunition for defeating this deadly foe.

Part one - How to Fight for Sight shows readers the importance of focusing on the Triune God - Father, Son, and Spirit. Meyer adds, “Vanquishing discouragement is never automatic nor easy. It is a hard-fought fight for sight." Indeed, “we lose heart when we lose sight of all that we have in Jesus. When we lose sight of Jesus, we see only half the picture, we believe half-truths, and we are robbed of hope. But as believers, we are called to fight back.”

Part two - How to Defeat Despair provides practical help for the battle. It builds on the strong foundation that was developed in part one. “Whenever we begin to lose heart,” writes Meyer, “we should take the gospel and press it into the deep places in our hearts where discouragement loves to hide.” Specifically, the author fixes his attention on three streams of despair: past failures, present disappointments, and future fear. The gospel is applied to each arena of discouragement which leaves followers of Christ in a position of strength, not strength that they muster through their own resources, but strength from Another, namely, the Lord Jesus Christ.

In the end, Meyer reassures his readers that God has not written the final chapter. He encourages them to think and live with an eternal perspective. He urges them to cast their cares on the risen Savior who will, in the final analysis, make all things new. What a day that will be!