Defeating Discouragement
Pastor Doug Heisel – November 9, 2025
1 Thessalonians 5:18 – Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Lessons on Gratitude From Psalm 23
(vs 4) – I walk through the valley of the shadow of death...
1. My CIRCUMSTANCES do not need to improve before I EXPRESS more gratitude.
(vs 1) – The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2. When gratitude shows up, gratitude SPEAKS UP. Unexpressed gratitude communicates INGRATITUDE.
(vs 2-3) – He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Luke 17:17-18 – Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?”
3. Grateful people can FIND a blessing, ENLARGE a blessing, or CREATE a blessing in almost any situation.
(vs 4) – Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
(vs 5) – You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
4. Gratitude is a MAGNET for even more of the blessing and favor of God.
(vs 6) – Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Next Sunday: Conquering Complaining
Life Group Discussion & Questions
BREAKING THE ICE: Take time and share some things you are grateful for that have taken place this past year.
DIGGING IN: Psalm 23 is arguably the most familiar psalm in the entire Bible. It is only six verses long, but communicates volumes on the subject of gratitude. Begin by reading the Psalm together.
1. List a dozen or so topics that can fuel discouragement. Is there one that has shown up in your life more often than the others? Share what that is and possibly why it’s the more common “visitor.”
2. Review the 4 lessons on gratitude from these notes. Discuss each one. Which one stands out most to you and why? Which one do you need to work on the most?
3. Gratitude is one of the core values that NLC cultivates. Discuss how your group can help advance that value even more in our church.
BRINGING IT HOME: Consider ways this week you can express gratitude to others. Make this more than a lesson — work to turn this into a lifestyle.