Resistance with Friends

These are hard days. It’s a hard season. We’re seeing around City Church more discouragement and anger and frustration than we have in a long time, just because of the way our country is going. We want to pay attention to that reality without exacerbating it.

In a gentle way, ask yourself “How often do you feel overpowered or overwhelmed by all the injustices in our world today?” Without diving into the discouragement, see if you can step back and determine if it’s hourly or daily or pick some other way to measure it.

Now gently ask yourself, “What usually triggers the sense of powerlessness and frustration I feel at the weight of the world?” Again, see if you can sit back and little and not get sucked in again just by thinking about the question. Pay attention to what might be leading you down the rabbit hole of discouragement. It’s important to know these things.

As we turn to scripture, be aware that it’s not meant to be a simple answer. It’s about the value of community in fighting discouragement. But we know that sometimes being with people who are negative is what triggers us toward feeling overwhelmed. So as you read this verse, think about who it is that brings encouragement to you. What sorts of things about being in community help?

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. - Ecclesiastes 4:12

Have an honest conversation with Jesus about what has stood out to you today. As you think about how to keep up your strength to fight the good fight, is there a helpful person who comes to mind for you? Is there a helpful practice that comes to mind to you?